In this conversation, Kassandra Ayala-Najera shares her journey as a first-generation Mexican Canadian, discussing her multicultural upbringing, language acquisition, and the challenges she faced growing up in Quebec. She emphasizes the importance of education and embracing cultural differences, highlighting her passion for teaching languages and promoting multiculturalism through her initiatives. Kassandra also reflects on the current political climate regarding immigration and cultural identity, advocating for openness and understanding among diverse communities. The conversation concludes with a hopeful vision for a future where education fosters acceptance and reduces hate.

🎙️ 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.

In this conversation, Tom Alletson shares his journey from a surfing enthusiast to a dedicated environmental scientist and catchment manager. He discusses the influence of his coastal upbringing, his education in coastal management, and his career path that led him to work with the Tweed Shire Council. Tom emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the challenges of managing waterways, and the pressing issues of sea level rise. He calls for greater awareness of water conservation and the need for riparian restoration, while also sharing his vision for a future where waterways are valued and protected.

🎙️ 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.

In this conversation, Chad Brown shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in Texas to serving in the military during tumultuous times. He discusses his transition to civilian life, his creative endeavors in New York City, and the transformative experience of backpacking through Japan. Chad opens up about his struggles with mental health, the healing power of nature and fly fishing, and how these experiences led him to create Soul River Inc., an organization that connects veterans and youth through outdoor experiences. He also discusses the founding of Love is King, aimed at creating safe spaces for marginalized communities in nature. Finally, Chad emphasizes the importance of storytelling in documentary filmmaking to foster understanding and connection among diverse communities.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions about attempted suicide and incidents of racism.

🎙️ 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.

In this conversation, Steven Schauer interviews Concetta Bencivenga about her life and work. They discuss Concetta's childhood, her experience in the Peace Corps, her time at LBJ School of Public Affairs, and her work at the Children's Museum of Philadelphia. They also touch on topics such as leadership, humility, and the significance of the Philadelphia World's Fair. The conversation covers the historical significance of buildings, the role of public transportation in shaping cities, and the importance of sustainability in the future. The principal themes include the historical significance of buildings, the impact of public transportation on cities, and the role of sustainability in shaping the future. Concetta Bencivenga discusses the importance of sustainability in the context of the New York Transit Museum and the challenges faced by the museum during the pandemic. She emphasizes the need for sustainable choices in all aspects of life and the impact of public transportation on the environment. Bencivenga also highlights the role of mass transit in cities and the importance of supporting local transportation museums. Her vision for a better future includes civil discourse and collaboration, as well as the continued growth and success of the New York Transit Museum.

🎙️ 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.

Roy Mason Hudgens shares his personal journey living with HIV/AIDS during the AIDS pandemic. He discusses the challenges he faced, including societal stigma, discrimination, and the lack of medical knowledge and treatment options at the time. Roy highlights the importance of support from the HIV/AIDS community and the compassion shown by doctors and nurses. He also talks about the advancements in medication, from the early days of AZT to the development of the cocktail and the single-dose treatment. Roy emphasizes the holistic impact of living with HIV/AIDS, including the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Roy Mason Hudgens shares his experience living with HIV/AIDS and the importance of staying ahead of the disease through daily mindfulness practices and physical fitness. He emphasizes the need for continued awareness and support for those affected by the disease, as well as the importance of love and acceptance for all individuals. Roy encourages listeners to embrace the present moment and find joy in simple pleasures, such as walking barefoot in the grass. He calls for action in advocating for affordable access to medication and resources for those living with HIV/AIDS globally.

🎙️ 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.

Suzanne Scott shares her personal and professional journey, starting with her upbringing in San Antonio and her love for the city. She discusses her early experiences in leadership roles, such as being part of the dance team in high school, which taught her the importance of teamwork and inspiring others. Suzanne then talks about her career path, including her work at the Southwest Craft Center and VIA Metropolitan Transit, where she was involved in downtown improvement projects. She also shares her experience of facing sexual harassment in the workplace and how it shaped her career decisions. Suzanne highlights her time at Bexar County and the San Antonio River Authority, where she played a crucial role in the San Antonio River Improvements Project, including the downtown, museum reach, and mission reach sections. She expresses pride in the project's success and the transformation of the river into a thriving and vibrant area. Suzanne Scott discusses the success of the San Antonio River Authority's projects, including the Museum Reach and Mission Reach. These projects have revitalized the river and stimulated economic development in the city. She also highlights the importance of access to the river and the role of the Nature Conservancy in land and water conservation in Texas. The organization has protected a million acres of land and is working to ensure the sustainability of working lands and the protection of water resources. In this conversation, Suzanne Scott, the State Director of The Nature Conservancy in Texas, discusses the importance of balancing the needs of people and nature. She highlights the work being done to sustain rivers and estuaries in Texas, including collaborating with private landowners to conserve water rights and incorporating nature-based solutions in urban development. Suzanne emphasizes the role of kindness and compassion in creating a better future, where people care for each other and the planet. She encourages individuals to get involved, support local nonprofits, and engage with elected officials to drive positive 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
Bluesky: @storiessustainus

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

Nadia Arab, born and raised in Portsmouth, UK, shares her journey of discovering her parents' lost cookery book and republishing it. The book, titled “The Road from Karachi,” is a collection of authentic Indian and Pakistani recipes that hold deep meaning and purpose for Nadia and her family. Alongside the book, Nadia is on a mission to provide clean water to communities in need, with a goal of installing 100 water pumps. She is raising funds through the sale of the book and direct contributions. Nadia's vision for a better future is one of harmony, where people embrace different cultures and show kindness and compassion. She believes that this will bring more joy, happiness, and fulfillment to the world.

🎙️ 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.

In this conversation, Shaun Donovan shares his journey from growing up in San Antonio to becoming an aquatic biologist and eventually joining the San Antonio River Authority. He discusses his passion for marine biology and the experiences that shaped his career path. The conversation also touches on the importance of sharing positive environmental stories and the significance of the San Antonio River Improvements Project, particularly the Mission Reach section. The conversation discusses the restoration of the San Antonio River and the success of the Mission Reach project. The project transformed a trapezoidal flood conveyance channel into a natural river system, creating recreational opportunities, economic development, and environmental benefits. The conversation also highlights the importance of freshwater mussels as indicators of river health and the efforts to reintroduce them into the river. The vision for a better future is for people to value and protect natural spaces as much as material possessions. The call to action is for individuals to take small steps to protect local water bodies and support organizations that share their environmental values.

🎙️ 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.

Sarah Tober shares her personal and professional journey, highlighting her work in sustainability and advocacy. She discusses her upbringing in the hill country of Texas, her experiences in college and working in various fields, and her legislative wins in promoting dark skies and scenic byways. Sarah emphasizes the importance of storytelling and finding common ground in bipartisan work. She also reflects on the challenges and successes of her advocacy efforts. Sarah Tober shares her personal and professional journey, from her love for the stars and her work in dark sky preservation to her current role in economic development and workforce housing. She emphasizes the importance of balancing sustainability and economic profitability, and the need for a more representative and collaborative political system. Sarah envisions a future where dark skies are protected and accessible to all, and where people can find purpose and fulfillment in their work. She encourages support for Dark Sky Colorado and invites participation in the La Plata Economic Development Alliance's leadership summit.

🎙️ 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.

Louis Chan, a sustainability professional, shares his journey and expertise in the field. He grew up in Singapore with a strong connection to nature, which influenced his passion for sustainability. He currently works for an investment holding company, focusing on reducing mining emissions and carbon intensity. Louis emphasizes the importance of tracking and measuring impact to drive improvement. He is also involved in various organizations and co-founded a startup in the air conditioning space. Louis is an advocate for balance in ESG reporting and believes in the significance of the triple bottom line: planet, people, and profit. Louis Chan discusses his morning reading resources and how he stays up to speed on sustainability information. He mentions Work on Climate, a community where people discuss sustainability happenings, and the green or sustainability section of the Wall Street Journal. He also emphasizes the importance of staying aware of the energy transition and geopolitics, particularly in Australia. Steven Schauer asks about the pushback against sustainability metrics in the United States and how it is impacting the rest of the world. Louis explains that in Singapore and Southeast Asia, sustainability is not as divisive as in the US, and there is generally support for climate action. They also discuss the Arctic Glide Company, which has developed a patented COI technology for air conditioning that reduces electricity consumption. Louis shares advice for consumers on combating greenwashing and finding truly sustainable companies. He emphasizes the need for government regulation and innovation in the marketplace. They also discuss the importance of long-term thinking and the life cycle of products. Louis shares his vision for a future where business incentives and sustainability are aligned, and he feels that it would be a step forward and a place where he truly belongs.

🎙️ 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.