Through the Portal — with Tory StephensImagining hopeful futures through story, vision, and embodied presence

In this episode, Maria Gehrke is joined by Tory Stephens — justice-driven storyteller and Creative Manager of Imagine 2200 at Grist — for a deep conversation on climate fiction, solarpunk futures, and the role of imagination in times of crisis.

Together, they explore:

Why dystopian stories dominate our cultural landscape — and what they do to our nervous systems

How hopeful storytelling can expand collective possibility without denying complexity

Solarpunk as a movement rooted in justice, community, and life-affirming technology

The importance of slowing down to envision futures beyond survival mode

The session concludes with a guided inner-vision meditation and a live visual reflection, inviting listeners to reconnect with stillness, imagination, and long-term care for future generations.

Host: Maria GehrkeGuest: Tory StephensFormat: Conversation, guided meditation, live visual reflection

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