In this special Earth Day episode of The World We Want, host Gerry Ellis is joined by Judy Braus, Executive Director of NAAEE and longtime leader in the environmental education field, to talk about how education fuels action, connection, and a sense of possibility in the face of our biggest challenges.

Access the resources, webinars, and podcasts referenced by Judy and Gerry by visiting https://eepro.naaee.org/eepodcast/Earth-Day-2025.

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The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast is an educational outreach project of the North American Association for Environmental Education.

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For many teens, finding a place where they truly belong can be life-changing. CJ Greco knows this firsthand. Having grown up in zoo education programs and after a voyage of self-discovery halfway around the world, CJ has found a safe space to explore, learn, and be herself. Now, as a teen program manager at Lincoln Park Zoo, CJ is creating that same sense of place for young people stepping into the world of conservation.

Teen volunteer programs aren’t just about learning science—they’re about finding a place where you can be yourself.

CJ Greco shares how Lincoln Park Zoo’s Teen Program provides teens with hands-on learning experiences that deepen their connection to wildlife, conservation, and community engagement. With a literal lifetime of experience, NAAEE 30 Under 30 CJ highlights the transformative impact of mentorship in environmental education, guiding teens toward careers in science, conservation, and education. This episode explores how creating space for youth in zoo programs just like CJ’s can foster a sense of belonging, safety, and long-lasting passion for conservation. 

Learn more about CJ's journey and discover tools and resources for educators by visiting https://eepro.naaee.org/eepodcast/CJ-Greco.

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The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast is an educational outreach project of the North American Association for Environmental Education.

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Turning universal challenges into local solutions through environmental education, two young African leaders, Harrison Ashangwa and Ritchie Tusabe, are keeping EE relevant and thriving through youth-led initiatives. Harrison and Ritchie both grew up in African countries where environmental education is part of daily life—as knowledge passed down from elders and incorporated into everyday care for their land and communities.

So what inspired these two young men along their paths to become educators and organizational leaders for thousands of youth and adults across the continent? Join The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast Episode 9 to find out!

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The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast is an educational outreach project of the North American Association for Environmental Education.

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How can a student’s future be impacted when a scientist passionate about education steps into the classroom? Stefan Moss, an environmental scientist and educator, joins host Gerry Ellis to discuss how he transforms complex science principles into engaging, hands-on learning experiences, fostering both hope and awe in young learners. From his early days growing up in the Bahamas to working with middle schoolers in Georgia, Stefan shares how curiosity and representation can change the way young people see themselves—and their future careers in science.

Visit https://eepro.naaee.org/eepodcast/Stefan-Moss to learn more about Stefan and The World We Want. 

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The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast is an educational outreach project of the North American Association for Environmental Education.

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Delve into how environmental education programs have evolved from lessons of awareness to calls to action.  Join host Gerry Ellis in this thought-provoking conversation with Kathy McGlauflin and Gus Medina, examining how these shifts, along with the changes in methods and technology, have shaped the field and what it means for connecting people to nature in a modern world. 

Find resources and teaching materials that address these very concepts by visiting https://eepro.naaee.org/eepodcast/Gus-Medina-Kathy-McGlauflin.

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The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast is an educational outreach project of the North American Association for Environmental Education.

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How can humor break down barriers and ignite hope in the face of climate change? Join comedian and climate educator Esteban Gast as he reveals how comedy can inspire climate awareness and action. From navigating diverse audiences to building bridges through laughter and shared experiences, Esteban and his cohort of comedians bring fresh perspectives on hope and creativity in times of real challenge. In this episode of The World We Want, Esteban takes us on a journey of blending comedy and education to address climate change. Learn how his innovative approach helps foster understanding and inspire action in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Visit https://eepro.naaee.org/eepodcast/Esteban-Gast to learn more about Esteban's work and explore resources on creative thinking and climate communication for educators.

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The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast is an educational outreach project of the North American Association for Environmental Education.

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How can we rethink the role of nonformal education and conservation spaces to build deeper connections with the world around us? In this episode of The World We Want, Dr. Kathayoon Khalil shares how breaking barriers, building connections, and fostering empathy can create a brighter future for people and the planet. She also discusses the value of conservation educators embracing their full identities—beyond their roles in environmental education—to bring fresh perspectives and resilience to the work they do.

Visit https://eepro.naaee.org/eepodcast/Kathayoon-Khalil to learn more about Kathayoon and The World We Want. 

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The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast is an educational outreach project of the North American Association for Environmental Education.

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Effective education doesn't happen accidentally. Fred Rogers, beloved educator, television personality, and friend to millions through the TV screen, knew this. His thoughtful approach to Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was grounded in science, pedagogy, and a deep understanding of children’s emotional and intellectual needs. In this episode of The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast, Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski invite us into The Neighborhood and Mister Rogers’ meticulous method for inspiring curiosity and wonder, key states of mind for fostering learning in environmental education.

From using digital tools and hands-on classroom activities to simply saying, "I noticed you were wondering about...," educators today are able to spark the same sense of discovery Mister Rogers instilled across generations. 

Gregg and Ryan discuss how Fred's influence extends beyond the screen into their own lives as parents, shaping their approach to raising children with an emphasis on wonder and intentionality. This heartfelt conversation reminds us that Fred's legacy is alive both in the lessons he taught and in the way his approach to care, curiosity, and kindness continue to inspire families and educators alike.

Learn more about Gregg, Ryan, and The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast at https://eepro.naaee.org/eepodcast/Gregg-Behr-Ryan-Rydzewski

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The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast is an educational outreach project of the North American Association for Environmental Education.

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Dr. Vik Mohan speaks of his lifelong journey of stewardship, healing, listening, and community building in this episode of The World We Want: the NAAEE Podcast. Find out more about Vik's work in Madagascar, across Africa, and within, as he and host Gerry Ellis discuss what it takes for meaningful partnerships and on a personal level, the well-being that supercharges the work he and other conservation leaders pursue.

Listen in on the conversation that highlights the value of integrating diverse disciplines, fostering deep, sustained community connections, and embracing a holistic view of well-being in environmental work.

To see more of Vik's passion for well-being, conservation, and wellness both personal and planetary, watch his TEDx talk or connect on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Vik and The World We Want at https://eepro.naaee.org/eepodcast/vik-mohan. 

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The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast is an educational outreach project of the North American Association for Environmental Education.

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A key component of effective environmental education is working with the communities you're helping, even letting them lead. Joy Munthali, founder of Green Girls Platform, speaks to the process that has led to meaningful and longlasting partnerships both with communities and funders.


"We need education that works for young people, education that works for children, and education that works in our context. And the only way we can learn that is if we are connected, if we have the networks that we need. "

As Joy details, part of strong partnerships in mitigating the effects of climate change is creating a safe space for the community to drive solutions. If an organization provides a solution that doesn't fit the culture of the people receiving it, the solution won't be successful and the community won't feel the benefits of those efforts.

"If we have a space that they can just come and share what they think works or what the wildest dream is, and then make that happen, they are assured that this is something that is going to help them to enjoy their human rights."

Learn more about Joy and The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast at https://eepro.naaee.org/eepodcast/joy-hayley-munthali

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The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast is an educational outreach project of the North American Association for Environmental Education.

Find us on:
Instagram: @thenaaee
Facebook: @THENAAEE
LinkedIn: @NAAEE
YouTube: @thenaaee
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Email us at: [email protected]

Thanks for listening, and thanks for sharing The World We Want!