Solutions News: Recent Episodes
Rinaldo Brutoco & Kristy Jansen
The World Business Academy and the Optimist Daily present a talk show hosted by Rinaldo Brutoco. There are more solutions than there are problems in this world, but the negative headlines usually drown them out! On Solutions News we flip the script, and Rinaldo and his guests discuss solutions to local, national and global problems. A wide range of issues including climate change, environmental challenges, social justice, economic concerns, and personal growth & development, are among the topics we cover. Tune in for real news that gives an optimistic view for these perilous times!
In this edition of Solutions News, Rinaldo is joined the uniquely brilliant and globally influential, Deepak Chopra. We will be talking primarily about the NY Times Best Seller, Metahuman: Unleashing Your Human Potential, his 90th book to be published, as well providing you a “peak preview” of his newest book coming out this week, Total Meditation: Practices in Living the Awakened Life. We’ll also learn about his plans to help reduce teen and adult suicides with his new non-profit platform NeverAlone.Love and his lifelong interest in supporting the whole person: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Don’t miss this week’s show and enjoy our intimate conversation with Deepak!
On this week's episode of Solutions News, we explore the benefits of a Partnership Model as opposed to Domination Systems with special guest Dr. Raine Eisler, President of the Center for Partnership Studies. Author and social scientist Dr. Eisler, among many other things, is a holocaust escapee from Austria who has both a Juris Doctorate and a Ph.D and has been a Fellow of the World Business Academy for almost three decades. In the show, we explore how human societies can be categorized along a continuum of how strongly it supports general human growth and development (the Partnership Model) versus how strongly it supports the rise of a small class of people on the backs of the rest (the Domination System). (Produced by Kristy Jansen.)
On this episode of Solutions News we are talking about reliability, safety & resiliency in our electrical grid, and how we might cure California’s current power problems in a way that gets us off fossil fuels, addresses environmental and economic injustice, and also build resilient communities across the state. The answer is simple, we have the technology, we have the know how. All we lack is the political will. Our guest is Lorenzo Kristov, PhD who has spent his career focusing on power system transitions to integrate high levels of renewable generation and distributed energy resources (DER). He’s truly one of the visionary leaders in the field of grid systems design, and we are very excited to share his wisdom with our audience today. (Produced by Kristy Jansen) For Full Show Notes visit: https://solutionsnews.org
On today's edition of Solutions News we are talking about the climate emergency. That’s right, we're calling it a Climate Emergency because that’s what it is. Yes, there are numerous other issues that have been dominating the headlines in the last few weeks and months, but among those, especially in the last few weeks, are many headlines about natural disasters: high winds and high heats. Hurricanes, Fires and Floods. So, what are we going to do about it?
Well, one thing that MUST happen is that our policy makers need to get active and pass legislation that moves our society off the worst polluting and extractive industries and towards regenerative, renewable models of power, food and transportation, and start putting resilience at the forefront of how we make decisions. With that, we are thrilled that Congresswoman Julia Brownley will be our guest today. Tune in to hear more... (Produced by Kristy Jansen) For full show details go to https://solutionsnews.org/julia-brownley
In this edition of Solutions News Rinaldo Brutoco interviews the mother of impact investing, Hazel Henderson about what the world might look like in a new economy that measures success by putting love at the center of how we measure economic viability. It’s all about getting beyond GDP as the only metric of success.
Our guest Hazel Henderson is the founder of Ethical Markets Media, LLC and the creator and co-executive Producer of its TV series. She is a world-renowned futurist, evolutionary economist, a worldwide syndicated columnist, consultant on sustainable development, and author of The Axiom and Nautilus award-winning book Ethical Markets: Growing the Green Economy (2006) along with eight other books. She co-edited, with Harlan Cleveland and Inge Kaul, The UN: Policy and Financing Alternatives, Elsevier Scientific, UK 1995 (US edition, 1996). Recognized as one of the founders of whole systems thinking as applied to economics. Her articulation of the “Love Economy” - which we will explore on today’s show - laid much of the groundwork for updated economic models that include human well-being and environmental sustainability metrics in how we measure success. For full details and more about Hazel Henderson, visit https://solutionsnews.org. (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
This week on Solutions News, we explore the landscape of Covid-19 testing in the US, with a spotlight on Ventura County and their effective approach to widespread testing, and timely notifications. Our Guest is Director of the Ventura County Sherif's Office of Emergency Services, Patrick Maynard. He tells us about the evolution of Ventura County's testing program, and explains the different types of tests available. We also travel to a surprising location that's done a good job including surveillance testing for Covid in their approach, and has so far done a much better job at controlling spread then other places. (Produced by Kristy Jansen)
Today’s edition of Solutions News is focusing on the criminal justice system, some new measures on the ballot in California designed to make it a bit more fair, and taking a look at different models that work wonders in reducing recidivism, incarceration and the costs around prisons. Our guest tonight is the esteemed Judge George Eskin, retired from the California bench in 2013. Judge Eskin has been a long -time advocate for civil rights and prison reform, and among his many accomplishments, Judge Eskin served on the Proposition 47 Executive Steering Committee to the Board of State and Community Corrections, the Judicial Council Pretrial Detention Reform Workgroup, and the California Judges Association Executive Board. Tune in to hear more… For full show details please visit us on https://solutionsnews.org (Produced by Kristy Jansen)
In this edition of Solutions News, we ask, "How can we support our communities in the face of hunger?" Our guest today is Erik Talkin, CEO of the Santa Barbara County Foodbank. For the past ten years, Erik’s goal has been to help the Foodbank become an organization that moves people from hunger to nutritional self-sufficiency and health – both for themselves and for their communities. In addition to his work at the Food Bank, Erik currently serves on the Board of Directors of the California Association of Food Banks and the National Advisory Council of Feeding America. We are talking about hunger, public assistance, and food Insecurity in a land of plenty… All essential topics as we face an end to most of the direct support that was originally included in the CARES act. For more - go to: https://Solutionsnews.org/listen (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
In this episode of Solutions News, Rinaldo Brutoco interviews Gregg Hart, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for the County of Santa Barbara, about the local Government’s response to the pandemic and the economic shocks that have hit the region. He also asks how we have gotten where we are now in this failed response to the novel coronavirus, and makes some suggestions for how to rise above the moment and look into a different future. We also feature Didyaknows, and end the show by spotlighting on a few major issues that we successfully addressed with collective action in the past. Tune in to listen to the show! (produced by Kristy Jansen)
In this edition of Solutions News, we investigate what it means to live an examined life, and how by reflecting on the end of our days, we might choose to live a life imbued with meaning, prioritizing relationships and our deeper values. Our guest is filmmaker Kate Carter, founder of Life Chronicles, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families cope with impending loss by recording life stories. How can we, each of us, proactively choose our own individual path that we are here to tread on this planet at this time. Life Chronicles helps us retain the wisdom, the personal interactions, the emotions, and the personal connections on film for the next generation to experience, and so much more. We all have words of wisdom and words of care to leave behind. Tune in to hear about the therapeutic value such interactions can bring, and how self-reflection can bring out wisdom we never knew we have to share. (Produced by Kristy Jansen)
In this episode of Solutions News, we're talking about COVID-19, our responses to it, and about the whole idea of paying taxes - with Syon Bhanot, a behavioral economist who studies the economics of prosocial behavior. With tax season upon us and a belief that taxes are as certain as “death,” we thought it was time for us at Solutions News to take a closer look at the role taxes play in the USA and other advanced societies. We’re looking at the way taxes actually can be a solution for not only the current pandemic but a host of other social challenges we face as a society. Think of that: seeing taxes as a benefit rather than a burden. Now, that’s some real positive thinking – but it is wholly justified as you’ll be hearing in what follows. (Produced by Kristy Jansen) For more details visit: www.solutionsnews.org
In this episode of Solutions News, we shine a special Fourth of July spotlight on what truly makes America unique. In honor of our Nation’s 244th birthday, and in honor of some recent trends we’ve been observing, we wanted to focus on the collective aspects of our country’s founding today. Because, despite many current narratives that highlight rugged individualism as the essential aspect of the American character – in fact, we are a nation that knows how to come together and reach for higher goals. Today’s show highlights the Interdependent nature of our society’s basic premises – we focus on Conscious Capital with our Guest Peter Matthies, on Conscious Consumption and its role in founding this country, and finally on the Declaration of Independence – though not the part you’re used to hearing about on Independence Day…. Tune in! (Produced by Kristy Jansen) For more on Solutions News and this episode go to the website: www.solutionsnews.org.
On this episode of Solutions News, Rinaldo Brutoco interviews Tom Reed, the Executive Director of Unity Shoppe - one of the oldest and most successful public charities in Santa Barbara. Unity Shoppe’s unique and powerful business model, which is all about honoring the dignity of individuals and families in our community who’ve fallen on hard times, has been recognized by the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Jeff Bridges and more recently Brad Paisley, who’s been working to replicate its model in Nashville, TN. Taking a page out of Unity Shoppe’s book, we open the show with a story exploring solutions to poverty and unemployment in the current economy and end with a brief history of Roosevelt’s New Deal. (Produced by Kristy Jansen) for more see: https://solutionsnews.org
It’s been another week of protests in cities around the nation, hundreds of thousands of people marching, demanding change – demanding that we reform our nations’ policing practices. A deep reckoning is underway of the structural racism and institutional violence against black and brown Americans. Yes, Black Lives Matter. So do Brown and Native American ones. In this episode of Solutions News, we are jumping into a discussion on these themes – first with a look at our Criminal Justice System - an area just as flawed as our militarized police culture - then we bring you a fascinating interview that our producer Kristy Jansen did with spirit-centered activist, a leader in community-based safety and sentencing reform movements, Aqeela Sherrills. Aqeela has been on the front lines of restorative peace movements in urban America his entire life, and we believe you’ll find this interview informative and inspirational. Later on, we will end the show with a spotlight on Juneteenth - the celebration of the end of slavery in this country on June 19, 1865—yes, 2 full years after the Emancipation Proclamation when the last state, Texas, freed its slaves. (Produced by: Kristy Jansen) for more visit our website: solutionsnews.org
In this episode of Solutions News, we hope you will appreciate as we look for some Solutions to the ongoing inequalities that exist between different communities in our nation that’s supposed to be all about equality and justice for all. One area that must play a role in healing these divided that has plagued our nation since the beginning is the private sector, and particularly business – as one of, if not THE most powerful institutions in the USA.
Last week we started this show with a piece we called, Half Slave, Half Free, observing the reality that people of color are not equal in this country; and, that this condition is a fundamental challenge to our “Union” as envisioned by Abraham Lincoln. Hopefully, after the last two weeks of international protests, we are ready to get creative. It is not enough to “wish” racism away. It is not enough to “hope” it goes away. It is not enough to ignore the reality of 400 years since slavery reached our shores and somehow “forget” what has happened. It is not enough to cease being a racist or to continue with a belief that one is neutral, and has no responsibility in this fight. It is now incumbent on all of us who believe that this is a country based on equality to actively be anti-racist. What does this mean? It means, that whites have accumulated the majority of power in our society so it means whites must be the source of the solution. People of color have been too marginalized to create equality. As Emmanuel Acho observed, it will take a “White Solution.”
South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn recently observed, that with few exceptions almost every white person who came to our shores did so voluntarily seeking a better life. And, tragically, with very few exceptions the ancestors of our fellow black Americans were brought here under duress as slaves. These enslaved people built this nation with the sweat of their brows and labored to co-create with us the wealth that became the United States even though the horror of Reconstruction. They labored to work our farms and build our factories through the incredible indignities of the “the Jim Crow” era.
We are excited to discuss these themes with our guest tonight – Mr. Yusuf George, the Managing Director of Capital Engagement for JUST Capital, and the author of a recent article in FORBES about Corporate Responsibility for healing the racial divide. (Producer: Kristy Jansen. For more on this program visit https://solutionsnews.org)
With this episode of SOLUTIONS NEWS, we bring you an all-new show to kick off a new season! Obviously, our joy at being back in the studio is more than a little bit depressed by the peaceful protests that are rocking all 50 states in reaction to the murder of George Floyd by the Minneapolis police. Yes, we still have a pandemic, and yes we still have economic chaos, and yes—we still have climate change bearing down on us. But, we’re SOLUTIONS NEWS so it is our job to see a crisis of this magnitude and propose effective solutions.
Today we feature an interview with Dr. Clint Rogers, who has spent a decade learning deeper solutions from a master healer and is on a mission to share that Wisdom of the Ancients with the world. In that interview, we will discuss the concepts of rebirth and renewal as the natural next step after decline and despair. To us, this was the perfect context (meaning birth and renewal) within which to address why we MUST eliminate our racist original sins if we are to emerge from the current “dark night of the soul” where America finds itself today… Please listen to hear more from Rinaldo, Dr. Clint, and the Solutions News team on deeper healing in times of strife and stress. (Produced by Kristy Jansen) See https://solutionsnews.org for more show information and to read about our guests.
On this "Best of" episode of Solutions News, Rinaldo talks to Sam Horn about her latest book, SOMEDAY is not a Day of the Week, and about how to take positive action in our lives. Topics on the show include Universal Basic Income - now being tried out in Stockton, CA, how the technology behind bitcoin - blockchain - is revolutionary despite bitcoin's questionable worth, and how 3D mapping of the Notre Dame which was completed in 2015 might make rebuilding the iconic structure possible. We also featured some great "didyaknows". (Original Broadcast April 19, 2019)
Guest: Kathy Odell, Topics: Economic Independence, Micro-lending, & Allowance by Rinaldo Brutoco & Kristy Jansen
On this "best of" episode of Solutions News, we bring you our 2019 interview with Jan Muhlfeit, the former chairman of Microsoft Europe who after leaving that role in 2014, fell into a personal crisis, but came out with a new understanding of how important the human side of capital is, and wrote the insightful and informative bestseller, The Positive Leader, on how to tap into the full potential of teams and how by bringing human capital to the forefront a company (or a country) will thrive. Jan Mühlfeit emphasizes: “If people are able to leverage their talent and their strengths, they will not only be more productive and successful but also happier. Unlocking human potential is a mantra for me personally because I think that if we better utilize the best in us, we will manage to create a better world for all”. This methodology with roots are in positive psychology is based not only on his own experience but also the experience of many of the top individuals in the global world of business, politics, as well as sport, with whom he had the honor to meet, work and spend time worldwide for many years. Other topics on this show include a story on being positive even happy, even in the face of sudden change. Original Broadcast date: May 10, 2019 (Produced by Kristy Jansen)
On this "best of" episode of Solutions News, we cover the ways the corporate world is beginning to make the shift towards more just and sustainable practices and more equality with a focus on certified “B-corporations” and the non-profit, JUST Capital, which is working to help large publicly traded companies succeed with truly “just” business practices. To shake up the show’s format a bit, our producer Kristy Jansen takes on the role of Host, and Rinaldo - who’s a sought after expert on how business can be a force for good sits in the interview hot seat! The solution that some are calling for is a new ethos that supports companies that build sustainability into the workforce and the local community, and which provide environmental stewardship while penalizing those that continue as bad actors. This solution is gaining new power in corporate board rooms at the largest public companies in America, as well as among smaller private businesses. What’s at stake is basically the sustainability of the American economy - and perhaps the very foundation of our political system as well. Original Broadcast date: September 13, 2019 (Produced by Kristy Jansen)
This episode of Solutions News features a "Best of" show from our archives. Rinaldo Brutoco interviews Joe Simonetta, and they dig into Joe's latest book - 7 Words to Change the World: The Simple Truth and The Death of Sacred Cows. Other topics we address on this show: PG&E's Bankruptcy, a coal plant that transitioned to solar, working from home, and other great solutions! This episode first played on January 18, 2019. (Produced by Kristy Jansen)
In honor of the Original Earth Day in April 1970, this episode of Solutions News features an interview with one of the original environmental activists in the US. Tune in to hear Rinaldo and Kristy talk with local environmental icon Marc McGinnes about his 50-year journey as an "environmental elder" and his newest book In Love with Earth. Other topics on the show include the Exxon lawsuit, right-to-repair laws, and tips for mastering emotions. This is one of our favorite episodes, and rounds out the April 2020 "Earth Month" special.
On this episode of Solutions News, we mix things up. Last week we featured an interview with Brent Goodlet, who helped to organize the General Climate Strike that occurred on September 27, 2019 - the day we recorded this show. In honor of this action and the millions who participated in the youth-led strikes that occurred around the world on September 20, 2019, we are going to take a listen to some of the young voices and others who are making this a global event. We will hear from some of the activists, organizers, and participants from both the youth-led and General Climate Strikes and talk about the power of a collective youth voice in helping to change the world.
On this "best of" episode of Solutions News (recorded Sept 20, 2019), we take a look at the role the media can play in informing the general public, and how this is an essential part of American Democracy. We also address the false dichotomy that’s now a firmly held cultural belief that we have to choose EITHER cheap goods made with extractive procedures OR pay more for “Green” products produced sustainably. This is a false dichotomy, and in fact, it pays off “BIGLY” to invest in renewable, power and sustainable procedures that support the environment and worker paychecks. Our guest on this show is Brent Goodlet, a post-doc in materials science, who is also a community activist and organizer of a local Climate Strike. We will be talking with Brent about the concept of the strike, and how the youth-led large scale civil disobedience movements like the climate strike and walking out of class are designed to provoke substantive action by government, business and other halls of power in our society. Finally, we highlight some of the reasons we support the climate strike, and why we are taking this episode AND next week’s to give voice to this movement. (Produced by Kristy Jansen)
This month, we're turning Earth Day into Earth Month. Why only celebrate and discuss the power of Mother Nature and what we can do to help for one day? In the midst of the global crisis, we cannot forget about our beautiful Earth. Tune into our next few shows, replays of some of our favorite Earth-related topics, to learn from the experts on what we as citizens of the Earth can do to help!
Our first story with Stacy discussed how to repair a fraying democracy. Political theorist Teresa Bejan studied and wrote a book about civility. After concluding her studies, Bejan learned “the virtue that makes un-murderous coexistence possible [in society] is the virtue of civility,” as she states in her TED Talk. “Civility makes our disagreements tolerable so that we can share a life together, even if we don’t share a faith — religious, political or otherwise.” The point of civility, she says, is to allow us to “have fundamental disagreements without denying or destroying the possibility of a common life tomorrow with the people we think are standing in our way today.” It is up to all of us-- teaching our leaders to lead, voting, and putting country above party. AND MORE... (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
In this episode of Solutions News, as we all call in to the show from our respective home or yurt based offices, Rinaldo Brutoco and Kristy Jansen talk with Jon Aimonetti, Executive Director of Fairview Gardens – an urban farm collective in Goleta, CA. They discuss chronic diseases based on unhealthy ultra-processed food, which have been the leading causes of death in the United States for the past several decades, and are still linked to American’s unhealthy bodies. The solution is to reimagine our food culture, reinvest in local, organic farms and gardens, and reorient our food systems to prioritize foods low on the processed food pyramid. In addition, we explore some key skills to master in the kitchen, which might make us all question the assumption that fast and cheap rules out healthy and good. We also enjoy didyaknows! (Produced by Kristy Jansen).
Our lead story on this episode of Solutions News explores areas of public intervention that might be most effective, and asks how smart, targeted moves at the federal level, in coordination with various business sectors might give this nation a head start in reimaging an economy that works BETTER for MORE of us for when we can all get back to work. Our guest is Congressman Tom Malinowski, who represents New Jersey’s 7th district. We will be talking with him about what actions are being taken at the federal level in the face of both the public health emergency we are already in, and about the economic crisis that’s just beginning to be felt. After our conversation with the Congressman, we will finish with a few words on how critical to our collective well-being is that we have good leadership. (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
On this Friday the 13th, we have a tremendously important episode of Solutions News for you, built around the questions we’ve been hearing from our friends and neighbors about what to do with the pandemic knocking at our door. Our guest today is Dr. Douglas Metz, Deputy Director of SB County Public Health. Officials across the nation have begun to make proactive decisions to temporarily close schools, and shut-down public events, sports games, conferences, and other non-essential groupings of people to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In this context, a new question arises - how badly will this health crisis morph into a full-blown economic crisis; how will it affect our personal ability to pay our bills; and, how will it impact our consumer economy more broadly? While it’s impossible to know the future, in our lead story, we explore a few proactive business solutions that in the absence of, or in addition to, fundamental and substantive assistance from the federal or state policymakers, can help to smooth out the economic fallout from this pandemic. Then we talk with Dr. Metz and ask him all about how to protect ourselves and our families and the community at large in the face of this public health emergency - as well as how to take care of ourselves or our loved ones in the case of getting ill. In our final word today, we discuss some ways to curtail negative “emotional contagion” and promote good mental health in the face of media narratives and panicky friends or family members that feed our fear of this public health emergency. In the best advice in the universe, from Douglas Adam’s Hitchhiker’s Guide - “Don’t Panic.” (Produced by Kristy Jansen) For more go to solutionsnews.org/listen
On this episode of Solutions News, our first story is about repurposing real estate into space with a vision, but then we roll into a fascinating interview with Sandy Blair, CEO and Founder of Operation WEBS, a nonprofit that works with women veterans experiencing homelessness. We finish off the program with a look at women's equality and a salute to empowerment. Listen now to hear more! (Produced by Kristy Jansen) solutionsnews.org/listen
On this episode of Solutions News, our guests are Susanne Chess and Bob Evans, two mission-driven entrepreneurs who have made it their business to manufacture solutions to address problems large and small. Their latest project is focused on sustainable desalination using the power of the deep ocean to create clean freshwater without creating more problems for the animals, plants and other creatures who live there. We also feature other business-driven solutions, our didyaknows and feature an update on the Ocean Clean-up River project. (Produced by Kristy Jansen) For more details go to solutionsnews.org/listen
In this episode of Solutions News, we focus on cities as major players in revolutionizing the carbon economy. Our Guest is David Gershon, founder and CEO of the Empowerment Institute, as well as a long time Fellow of the World Business Academy, and we talk with David about his plan for Isla Vista to be carbon neutral by 2025 and his initiative to bring scalable, trackable carbon neutrality to cities by activating the citizenry statewide one block at a time. (Producer: Kristy Jansen) For full show details visit, solutionsnews.org.
This week on Solutions News, we interview Das Williams, Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor, who's running for re-election. With the election coming up, we wanted to take the time to focus on local elections, which impact our daily lives in some ways more powerfully than general elections, and it is these local officials who feed the pipeline for Statewide and National Political leadership. They are the County Supervisors who guide local development, our School Board Members who determine what we teach and how. In this race, Das Williams is focused on solutions to Community Resilience, Energy, Housing and Transportation infrastructure, and how to bring the community together. Topics on the show also address renewables driven community microgrids, the power of radio to bring diverse communities together in honor of World Radio Day. For full show details go to solutionsnews.org/listen (Produced by Kristy Jansen. Photo Das Wiliams and Joan Hartmann serve on MBCP - credit: CostalView.com)
This week on Solutions News, we interview Laura Capps, Candidate for Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor. With the election coming up, we wanted to take the time to focus on local elections, which impact our daily lives in some ways more powerfully than general elections, and it is these local officials who feed the pipeline for Statewide and National Political leadership. They are the County Supervisors who guide local development, our School Board Members who determine what we teach and how. In this local race, Laura Capps' agenda includes poverty, climate safety, and housing, topics that are always in need of solutions. Other topics addressed on this episode include the legacy of California's Prop 13, which is also on the ballot this time around, and we highlight the rise of electric vehicles in this year's Superbowl Ads. The times they are a changin'!
Next week we will interview Das Williams, current 1st District Supervisor for Santa Barbara County, also running in this race local race. (Produced by Kristy Jansen)
This week on Solutions News, we welcome Kristine Schwarz, Executive Director of New Beginnings Counseling Center, a mental health center that provides services to low-income families and individuals. When it comes to mental health, having a safe place to sleep is the first step to treatment. But having an address is also essential to access other types of support - including the ability to open a bank account! On the edge of stability, how does a person manage his or her finances? That’s a question we had too. Something as simple as cashing a check becomes increasingly difficult in an increasingly cashless society, so what is it like being unbanked in America, and what are some solutions? Listen now! For more details go to solutionsnews.org (Produced by Kristy Jansen)
On today’s show, in honor of our Guest, Aaron Briner, Battalion Chief - Fire Marshall for Montecito Fire Protection District, we outline how Emergency Response works, learn from Aaron about how the prevention services are just as much a part of what keeps us safe from fires, floods and other disasters large and small. We also celebrate our first responders, discuss the challenges of the job, and ask how we can support them in our communities. Full show notes at solutionsnews.org (produced by Kristy Jansen)
It’s no question that fossil fuels are on the way out. Hydrogen holds great potential as a sustainable form of energy. On this episode of Solutions News, we visited the National Energy Laboratories in Hawaii with expert Mitch Ewan. Ewan is the Hydrogen Systems Program Manager at the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute at the University of Hawaii. Hydrogen is extremely abundant and easily harvested, and the key to an energy future that produces energy at a much lower environmental and financial cost than fossil fuels. If harvested using green electricity, Hydrogen also has zero environmental impact. To learn more about the hydrogen economy from this episode with Mitch Ewan, listen now! For more details go to solutionsnews.org. (Produced by Kristy Jansen)
On this episode of Solutions News, host Rinaldo Brutoco and producer Kristy Jansen talk agroforestry with expert Dave Sansone, an agroforestry and permaculture researcher and consultant on the Island of Hawaii. Sansone practices a climate-friendly, “no-till, no work” farming strategies in Hawaii that allows for the best outcome with the least effort. The episode spotlighted Hawaii in the conversation of agroforestry and "bio-tilling". Specifically, the three discussed the use of regenerative agriculture to grow food, feed, and fiber. Farmers are discovering that a systemic focus on soil health will award them better outcomes with less inputs. This is because regenerative agriculture aims to boost microbial activity, carbon retention, and water infiltration in the soil so plants can more efficiently obtain what they need. The best way to achieve this? Do less, not more. The soil is an integral part of the entire ecosystem, and it is a complex system in itself.
Agroforestry is defined as sustainable agriculture which grows trees alongside other crops and animals to benefit all parties, including people and the greater environment. According to the U.S. Forest Service, strategic agroforestry can increase crop yields by 56 percent. Agroforestry is a type of regenerative agriculture that increases the productivity of the land by restoring organic materials to the soil, thus resulting in the previously mentioned benefits such as carbon retention. This unique solution provides more than a quick fix to a complex and pressing issue. Agroforestry produces a diverse crop yield, a healthy ecosystem, and a resilient habitat that can more easily adapt to a changing planet. To learn more about agroforestry and other topics from last week’s episode of Solutions News, please visit www.solutionsnews.org/dave-sansone.
On this episode of Solutions News, we address the secrets of success and self-mastery along with our guest Jack Canfield, the esteemed originator of The Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. First with a look at how Americans learned about personal empowerment by learning how to master communication, then with a story on one of the greatest inspirational projects of all time, and finally with some specific tips on how to build better habits - Just in time for New Years! We will also have our fan favorite “didyaknow” segment! Listeners of the show are welcome to visit Jack's website and sign up for a free gift: "The Success Principles 10-Day Transformation." (original airdate: 7/19/19) Produced by Kristy Jansen
On this episode of Solutions News, we interview Barry Schoer, Executive Director of the Sanctuary Centers, and a lifelong advocate for the humane and effective treatment of those who live with addiction and mental health issues. We explore the cultural implications of the current addiction crises in the United States and the world. We discuss how community based supportive living situations are a more effective and humane solution for the seriously ill rather than abandoning them to fend for themselves on the street or in the prison system. We end the show with a look at the crisis for connection that affects much of the world, and how we each might find our way towards human connection. (Original airdate: 8/9/19) Produced by Kristy Jansen
On this episode of Solutions News, we welcome Dr. Brian von Herzen, the Executive Director of the Climate Foundation, who’ll be talking with us about marine permaculture and some amazing things he’s developing to help the world. Our topics today are focused on the ocean: first a story about how bacterial microbes “eat” carbon dioxide all while providing a food source for fish and cleaning up industrial waste in the meantime, and another about how man-made artifacts in the oceans are being turned into marine habitats where life is thriving! Later on, we have some great didyaknows, and a final story on some health benefits of eating ocean greens. (Original airdate: 5/31/19) Produced by Kristy Jansen
On this episode of Solutions News, we focus on economic independence and how it helps everyday people stay out of poverty. Access to money - knowing how to earn it, how to manage it, and how to keep it, can be one of the most powerful forces in a person’s life.
Our guest is Kathy Odell, CEO-elect of Women’s Economic Ventures, known locally as WEV. For over two decades, WEV has been a leading provider of microenterprise development services to women along California’s Central Coast. We will explore the broader micro-lending movement, both in developing economies and as it’s been working in the USA, and share some tips on how we can help our children become strong money managers as well.
People continue to flock to the urban hubs of America, but our cities have struggled to keep pace with the people, leading to Americans who spend more than a reasonable share of income on housing, all the while there is not enough public assistance (or housing laws) to solve the problem. On this episode of Solutions News, we talk about the affordable housing crisis from a different perspective - how we got here and how we might address it. We’ve touched on this subject in several previous shows in other ways, but since it shelter is one of those basic needs, and lack of housing continues to challenge many communities in California, as well as across the nation, there is always more to say. We are excited to welcome our guest, Rob Fredericks, the CEO and Executive Director at the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, who has been at the forefront of this challenge for several decades.
After the interview with Rob and some didyaknows, we end the show with a brief look at the importance of the personal relationships that can develop within neighborhoods - and specifically an innovative program called “Cool Blocks”. (Produced by Kristy Jansen, with assistance from Benjamin Schwartz)
In this week’s episode of Solutions News, we discuss microgrids in Puerto Rico, talk about corporations underwriting farmers’ transitions to organic food, and Rinaldo interviews Margaret Klein Salamon. After a discussion about the Green New Deal and Margaret’s organization The Climate Mobilization, Rinaldo discusses the ways in which gratitude changes your brain. (Original airdate 2/15/19) Produced by Kristy Jansen.
On this episode of Solutions News, we focus on the creative arts and argue that art and arts education ought to be celebrated as a solution, not considered an afterthought. Music, drawing, painting, photography, dance, poetry, storytelling, and even cooking, knitting and other hand-crafts - all these forms of creative expression are essential human skills. Some argue that ART - defined broadly - is what makes us human, and see it as key to creating social cohesion and for individual self-development.
Our guest is Judi Wiesbart, who is one of the (24) founding artists for Mike Cregan’s new La Cumbre Center for the Creative Arts. We talk with Judi about the La Cumbre project, about her art and sculpture, along with her social activism and how it all fits together. For as the 19th-century artist Edgar Degas explained: “ART is not what you see, but what you make others see.” (Guest Host: Kristy Jansen. Produced by Kristy Jansen and Benjamin Schwartz)
On this episode of Solutions News, we welcome the honorable Monika Penukonda, director of the Divine Lineage Meditation & Healing Center in Mendocino, CA. She was in Santa Barbara to raise awareness and funding for projects that exhibit possible ways to live in harmony as a community in times of a changing climate, especially in areas like Mendocino which are struggling in the face of power shut-offs and fire breakouts. Monika brings in a spiritual perspective of living in harmony as we move into an environmentally unsettled future. Because climate change is warming Earth by the day, it is essential for builders to consider adverse climate conditions such as fires, drought, and flooding in construction. In addition to hosting Monika as the featured guest, the show also explores innovative, sustainable, and resilient building construction for the future. Two specific technologies mentioned are Rammed Earth construction and 3D Printed housing. After our “didyaknows”, we turn our eyes to Copenhagen, Denmark. This city nearly burned to the ground several times in its history, which perhaps is one of the reasons it stands out today as one of the “greenest” cities today. (Produced by Kristy Jansen)
On this episode of Solutions News, we sit down with Andrew MacCalla, VP of Emergency Response and New Initiatives at Direct Relief, one of the most nimble and effective non-profit aid organizations in the country. From being on the ground in Haiti for 2 years after the 2010 earthquake to managing medical deployments after Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Dorian, Andrew has tremendous experience on the front lines of disaster relief and recovery. We talk with him about providing life-saving medical packs, medicines and now helping local medical centers build their own solar and storage based microgrids to keep the power on in the face of the next outage. It may even be that Puerto Rico has something to teach California now that the major utilities are preemptively shutting off our power!
In addition to talking Direct Relief, Rinaldo gives an update on Puerto Rico's development into a microgrid leader. We also explore the role of NGOs in providing essential help after natural disasters and other unsettling events. (Produced by Kristy Jansen)
On this episode of Solutions News, we interview Rabbi Michael Lerner about his newest book, Revolutionary Love: A Political Manifesto to Heal and Transform the World. We also explore Americans' obsession with work and ask if a reduced work-week might actually improve productivity. In addition, we feature our "didyaknows" and spotlight voting and activism in shaping our world. As Anita Roddick once said: "If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in your sleeping bag."
On this episode of Solutions News, we focus on education - it’s incredible power to transform lives, and why we should be investing in education as a society - not abandoning every family to fend for themselves. Our guest is Victoria Juarez, the CEO and President for the Scholarship Foundation, an incredible local organization that in 2019 alone gave $8 Million worth of scholarship support to nearly 2500 Santa Barbara students in college, graduate and vocational schools. As the education activist Malala Yousufzai reminds us, “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” On this episode of Solutions News, we take on the complex and distressing topic of domestic violence. Jan Campbell, Executive Director of Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County joins Rinaldo and Kristy in the studio to describe the problem, and discuss solutions. Inspired by the topic, our main story focuses on the subject of emotional intelligence. Mastering this critical human skill helps us with our relationships, self-regulation, and navigating the social world. Later on, we explore the connection between shame and violence, and turn a spotlight on a UK prison program that teaches offenders empathy and self-regulation and thereby improves recidivism rates.
Additional resources: https://dvsolutions.org/get-help/hotlines/ https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/fastfact.html https://www.psychalive.org/insight-into-the-violent-mind/ https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-11947481
Producer: Kristy Jansen Assistant Producer: Benjamin Schwartz Audio Engineer: Mark Giles
On this episode of Solutions News, Rinaldo interviews U.S. Congresswoman Katie Porter about congressional oversight and the role of regulation in banking. This fascinating conversation should not be missed!
On this episode of Solutions News, we target solutions that work to create lasting peace in the world. We examine the role that women have played in ending violence in conflict zones, and how it's been shown that women and other non-combatants need to be at the center of peace negotiations if a community or a country wants to truly heal after a war ends. We interview Professor Joe White, founder of the “2020: A Year Without War” project which seeks a worldwide truce for just one year. We also spotlight an innovative company, RUMI, founded by US Veterans of the Afghan wars who have partnered with Afghan farmers growing saffron, a crop with enough value to replace opium poppies as a credible alternative to illicit drug trades. It is a mission-driven business that does well by doing good. And of course, we have some fun “didyaknows”! (Produced by Kristy Jansen) For the full show details go to https://solutionsnews.org/10-4-19-joe-white
On this episode of Solutions News, we are mixing things up. Last week we interviewed Brent Goodlet - who helped to organize the General Strike for the Climate that occurred on September 27, 2019 - the day we recorded this show. In honor of this action and the millions who participated in the youth-led strikes that occurred around the world on September 20, 2019, we are going to take a listen to some of the young voices and others who are making this a global event. We will hear from some of the activists, organizers, and participants from both the youth-led and General Climate Strikes and talk about the power of a collective youth voice in helping to change the world.
On this episode of Solutions News (recorded Sept 20, 2019), we take a look at the role the media can play in informing the general public, and how this is an essential part of American Democracy. We also address the false dichotomy that’s now a firmly held cultural belief that we have to choose EITHER cheap goods made with extractive procedures OR pay more for “Green” products produced sustainably. This is a false dichotomy, and in fact, it pays off “BIGLY” to invest in renewable, power and sustainable procedures that support the environment and worker paychecks.
Our guest on this show is Brent Goodlet, a post-doc in materials science, who is also a community activist and organizer of a local Climate Strike. We will be talking with Brent about the concept of the strike, and how the youth-led large scale civil disobedience movements like the climate strike and walking out of class are designed to provoke substantive action by government, business and other halls of power in our society. Finally, we highlight some of the reasons we support the climate strike, and why we are taking this episode AND next week’s to give voice to this movement. (Produced by Kristy Jansen)
On this episode of Solutions News, we cover the ways the corporate world is beginning to make the shift towards more just and sustainable practices and more equality with a focus on certified “B-corporations” and the non-profit, Just Capital, which is working to help large publicly traded companies succeed with truly “just” business practices. To shake up the show’s format a bit, our producer Kristy Jansen takes on the role of Host, and Rinaldo - who’s a sought after expert on how business can be a force for good sits in the interview hot seat! The solution that some are calling for is a new ethos that supports companies which build sustainability into the workforce and the local community, and which provide environmental stewardship while penalizing those that continue as bad actors. This solution is gaining new power in corporate board rooms at the largest public companies in America, as well as among smaller private businesses. What’s at stake is basically the sustainability of the American economy - and perhaps the very foundation of our political system as well. (Produced by Kristy Jansen) For full description go to https://solutionsnews.org/9-13-19-rinaldo-brutoco
On this episode of Solutions News, we take a look at how coordinated action has been employed by the United Nations to eradicate malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. While there is still a long way to go, some of the reductions have been remarkable. We also talk about the UN's Sustainability Goals, with a special focus on #16: Peace and Justice and Strong Institutions. Our guest Barbara Gaughen-Muller, discusses the UN Association Peace Prize that she inaugurated in 2017, and trumpets the various achievements of this year's nominees. (produced by Kristy Jansen) For more episode details: https://solutionsnews.org/9-6-19-barbara-gaughen-mu
On this episode of Solutions News, we are thrilled to welcome Rick Wayman of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, to help us tackle issues around violence, and alternatively how to wage peace. Our topics include violence at the state level, including a discussion on avoiding the Mutually Assured Destruction of escalating nuclear risks, and we also investigate solutions that thwart violence in our communities now that our kids now have “duck & cover” drills to prepare against a school shooter. After the interview and some "didyaknows", we discuss the practice of “waging peace” in our own minds, in our families, in our civil discourse, in our international relations… because only by reframing the conversation can we move the needle on violence and regain the state of tranquility. The true definition of peace is NOT the absence of violence, but the active pursuit of harmony between nations, in society, in our homes, and with the biosphere. (Producer: Kristy Jansen) For full episode details go to our website: https://solutionsnews.org/8-30-19-rick-wayman
On this episode of Solutions News, we welcome Stan Roden, who along with being a recovering lawyer and currently a teacher and documentary filmmaker is also a leader in the Santa Barbara chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby. We also discuss the national carbon fee proposal HR 763, direct air capture (DAC) as an essential technology to reduce extant ambient carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the national gas tax and our infrastructure, and after our “didyaknows” we outline 10 tips for making every negotiation a “win-win”. (Produced by Kristy Jansen) For full show description go to the episode webpage: https://solutionsnews.org/8-23-19-stan-roden
On this episode of Solutions News, we interview Barry Schoer, Executive Director of the Sanctuary Centers, and a lifelong advocate for the humane and effective treatment of those who live with addiction and mental health issues. We explore the cultural implications of the current addiction crises in the United States and the world. We discuss how community based supportive living situations are a more effective and humane solution for the seriously ill rather than abandoning them to fend for themselves on the street or in the prison system. We end the show with a look at the crisis for connection that affects much of the world, and how we each might find our way towards human connection.
On this episode of Solutions News, we interview Jessica Wishan, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity, Southern Santa Barbara. In honor of Habitat’s mission to create safe, secure housing for people around the world, we take another stab at solutions addressing homes and habitat. We report on a project that turns plastic trash into bricks that build schools and homes. We tell you about programs and simple fixes that help people age in place with grace. And after our interview with Ms. Wishan, and our “didyaknows”, we discuss a unique matchmaking service bringing different generations together, solving different problems for young and old.
On this episode of Solutions News, we focus on Mother India! Our guest is Sadhvi Bhagawati, who has become a guiding voice in bridging the cultures of America and India, blending the knowledge and logic of the West with the insights, spirituality, and wisdom of the East. We investigate India's growing investment in renewable and distributed energy, Prime Minister Modi's quest to clean up corruption and build India's infrastructure from the bottom-up and end the show with a segment on ways India's culture has helped the West become wiser. For the full show, notes go to https://solutionsnews.org/7-26-19-sadhvi-bhagawati
On this episode of Solutions News, we address the secrets of success and self-mastery along with our guestJack Canfield, the esteemed originator of The Chicken Soup for the Soup book series. First with a look at how Americans learned about personal empowerment by learning how to master communication, then with a story on one of the greatest inspirational projects of all time, and finally with some specific tips on how to build better habits. We will also have our fan-favorite “didyaknow” segment! For full show notes visit the Jack Canfield page on our website: https://Solutionsnews.org/7-19-19-jackcanfield.
On this episode of Solutions News, we explore marijuana, mushrooms and other entheogens. Our guest is Dr. Jerry B. Brown, co-author of The Psychedelic Gospels, and a sought after scholar on the subject of psychedelics. Topics that we cover today include a brief overview and update on legal cannabis in America, the movement to decriminalize psilocybin based on beneficial therapeutic uses in various states and cities around the US, and a case study on Portugal - the first modern country to decriminalize drugs. We also share some wonderful “didyaknows”. For full show details, please visit our website: https://solutionsnews.org/7-12-19-jerry-b-brown Host: Rinaldo Brutoco Producer: Kristy Jansen Assistant Producer: Benjamin Schwartz
On this episode of Solutions News we focus on Citizen Engagement. We are thrilled to welcome our guest, psychologist, educator and environmental advocate, Stacy Pulice. We take a look at how citizen scientists are helping advance humanity’s knowledge. From working with NASA to identify extra-terrestrial planets, to counting larvae of some of the rarest pollinators - some of the most important science these days is being done by passionate volunteers. We discuss civics education, needed to bring civility back into the public square, and highlight the power of participating - and how an informed and active citizenry can change the course of history. There are also some great “didyaknows”! For detailed show notes and resources go to solutionsnews.org.
On this episode of Solutions News, we focus on solutions in HealthCare, with origins in advanced communications technology, socially responsible business approaches and human-centered thinking. We discuss the growing role of nurse practitioners and telemedicine in improving medical services for rural communities in the US. We also shine a light on a new nonprofit generic drug company that’s pushing back on big pharma, and we’ll discuss new targeted and personalized approaches that are revolutionizing medicine. We are also excited to introduce our audience to our guest, Dr. David Kerr - who leads the world-renowned Sansum Diabetes Research Institute located here in Santa Barbara. For full details on today’s episode, please go to our website: https://solutionsnews.org/6-28-19-david-kerr
On this episode of Solutions News, we explore some solutions to the housing crisis in California. Namely, we discuss approaches that create more accessible, more affordable housing and how local zoning can either encourage or inhibit the density we need for more resilient, sustainable and vibrant urban cores. Our guest, environmental systems designer Art Ludwig, takes a systems approach to this topic as well, and proposes the use of alternative building materials, along with future thinking to design homes and communities that address the affordable housing crunch at the same time as the new dangers of changing environmental conditions. All of the solutions have one thing in common - the move away from large single family suburban houses - those ever larger McMansions that have been attached to the “American Dream” since 1946. We end the show with some great “didyaknows” and 12 reasons why choosing to live in a smaller home might actually lead to better things. For a full description of the show, and links to our source materials, go to the website: https://solutionsnews.org/6-21-19-art-ludwig
On this episode of Solutions News, we are tackling HOMELESSNESS. We are thrilled to welcome our guest Jeff Shaffer from United Way’s “Home for Good” program. Jeff is one person who's been working effectively to help get vulnerable people off the street and into housing. In addition, we will share three innovative programs that are being implemented around the country, including in Santa Barbara, that are helping solve aspects of this issue: Tiny house villages, Safe Parking Sanctuaries, and later in the show, after our fan favorite “Didyaknow” segment, Showers.
This has been in the news quite a bit lately with a new report from LA about how its homeless population grew by 16% over the last year, despite the recent measures that were voted in providing additional funding to help solve this issue. Many are blaming the extreme lack of affordable housing for this increase. We promise that we will get into some solutions on that subject next week, but for today, we will focus on how to help the “un-housed” those under-resourced families and individuals who, at a critical point in time, lacked the support necessary to remain housed. It’s easy to dismiss these most vulnerable of our fellows - wrongly assuming that they are all drug addicts and derelicts. This is not the case. Full details of this show are available at our website: https://solutionsnews.org/6-14-19-jeff-shaffer
On this episode of Solutions News, we tackle Energy and Fuel – and ask how we might move to into the Future. As PG&E has begun pre-emptively shutting off power to thousands of its customers in an effort to mitigate liability – we ask, how might local and regional governments work with utility companies to provide efficient and clean energy for the communities they serve? We also explore hydrogen created via electrolysis with renewable energy resources as a green fuel that can replace fossil fuels in transportation, industry and energy generation/storage. Our guest is Katie Davis, who leads the Los Padres chapter of the Sierra Club – and is working hard to prevent additional oil extraction on the central coast of California. Later, we do some great “didyaknows” and finish up with some interesting food parts that have surprisingly healthy uses! For the full story on this episode, go to our website: https://solutionsnews.org/6-7-19-katie-davis
On this episode of Solutions News, we welcome Dr. Brian von Herzen, the Executive Director of the Climate Foundation, who’ll be talking with us about marine permaculture and some amazing things he’s developing to help the world. Our topics today are focused on the ocean: first a story about how bacterial microbes “eat” carbon dioxide all while providing a food source for fish and cleaning up industrial waste in the meantime, and another about how man-made artifacts in the oceans are being turned into marine habitats where life is thriving! Later on, we have some great didyaknows and a final story on some health benefits of eating ocean greens. For a full description of the show, go to the website: https://solutionsnews.org/5-31-19-brian-von-herzen-1
On this episode of Solutions News, our topics are all about health and well-being: our guest is Dr. James Kwako (KWA-KHO), a family physician with a holistic approach and a remarkable new book, Mobilizing Your Healing Power. We also discuss why Universal Healthcare is a solution whose time has come; how sometimes the best medical prescription is simply more money, and after some great didyaknows, we’ll end the show with some habits we can all adopt that improve health, wellness and longevity
Universal Health Care The first story this week is about solutions to the current healthcare crisis in the United States. Premiums have been skyrocketing and the price of drugs is many times what it is in other countries, leading to “medical tourism”. The most rational solution to the current situation is some form of universal healthcare. The United States is unique among developed nations in the world because it does not have a comprehensive health care system that helps all of its citizens deal with health care needs. Between 1990 and 2016, the United States health care system has dropped from a 6th place rank to 27th in the world – and it’s still dropping. Several current presidential candidates are proposing a “Medicare for All” type of solution. Critics of these plans point to the political and purported economic challenges to get from the hodge-podge system that the United States has now to some idealistic universal coverage without massive costs and massive disruptions. Rinaldo argues that the transition to a more comprehensive solution for every American, would actually be relatively simple if we’d just put out minds to it, and it would definitely lead to better overall health and much less expensive care as well.
“Find two bucks and call me in the morning” The second story this week is about a unique approach to treating illness by actually helping the patients find more financial assistance. Dr. Gary Bloch started the process about ten years ago in Toronto, Canada, working to help treat illness by solving the underlying causes and stresses that exacerbate illness.
Lifestyle choices that affect health outcomes This week, the Optimist Daily ran an article about how letting go of anger is linked to longevity, health, and overall wellness as people age. Here are six lifestyle habits that have been shown to help you live longer and better: • Pay attention to contentment and positivity! Having a positive outlook is linked to health, to better recovery, and to living longer. • Practicing stress reduction methods -- including meditation, exercise, laughter, & being in nature. • Don’t smoke cigarettes - or anything with nicotine. • As Michael Pollan says: Eat food, not too much, mostly vegetables. • Establishing healthy sleep habits, and getting good sound shut-eye is linked to living longer and better. • Cultivating & enhancing a good social network: Learning how to communicate with the people around you is a great way to preserve positive relationships throughout the lifespan, and having close friends is linked to living longer.
The two most important takeaways for today are moderation and mindfulness.
On this episode of Solutions News, we feature a fantastic interview with Women's Campaign International founder and women's rights activist Marjorie Margolies. In addition, we examine the recent collective actions taken by teachers in communities across the United States and how this is leading to long needed change, explore the benefit for profits and society when companies add women to the boardroom and the c-suite, and spotlight local activist Abe Powell, who shows what a difference one person with the right attitude and positive energy can make. We also have some great "didyaknows"!
On this episode of Solutions News, we are focused on business and how it can be inspired to act as a force for good. We interview Jan Mühlfeit - who served as Chairman of Microsoft in Europe until a few years ago but more recently has been teaching the c-suite and Olympic athletes alike about the importance of emotional intelligence and how to unlock each person’s and each team’s unique human potential. We spotlight how data and transparency are being used to help corporations realize the benefits of being socially responsible, JUST to their employees and their customers, and environmentally sustainable in their approach to good business. It’s no longer enough to pursue profit alone over all other considerations. Business has to have heart, emotional sensitivity, a moral compass, and environmental intelligence if it wants to stay relevant in today’s world. We end the show with some great “didyaknows” and a last word on how to find happiness in the face of sudden change. (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
On today’s show, we turn a focus on mental health and community strategies to support individual wellness that affects gun violence, crime, and family healing as well. Our guest is Jina Carvalho, a mental health advocate and co-founder of the Santa Barbara Response Network - a grassroots volunteer non-profit dedicated to offering Psychological First Aid (PFA) and social support for resilient recovery from traumatic incidents including disasters; suicide and violent injuries, especially among the underserved populations and youth. (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
On this episode of Solutions News, recorded on April 26, 2019, we discuss the costs of higher education - and spotlight some new ideas being explored on how to pay for it. We are also thrilled to welcome as our guest, Santa Barbara non-profit powerhouse Geoff Green, who is currently the CEO of the Santa Barbara City College Foundation, where he has led the effort to establish the SBCC Promise – tuition-free education for local graduates of Santa Barbara County high schools. We also have some great “didyaknows”, and a final note on LeBron James’ new educational promise. (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
On this episode of Solutions News, Rinaldo talks to Sam Horn about her latest book, SOMEDAY is not a Day of the Week, and about how to take positive action in our lives. Topics on the show include Universal Basic Income - now being tried out in Stockton, CA, how the technology behind bitcoin - blockchain - is revolutionary despite bitcoin's questionable worth, and how 3D mapping of the Notre Dame which was completed in 2015 might make rebuilding the iconic structure possible. We also feature some great "didyaknows". (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
On this episode of Solutions News, Rinaldo talks to Leonard Wallock, along with Dana Wallock and Ellia Limón about their new non-profit public discourse project, Public Square. Topics on the show include the "Great Green Wall" that's being built by 20 countries across the border of the Sahara desert, how instituting a $100/ton carbon tax would be an economically viable way to curb carbon emissions quickly, and how the military is turning to mindfulness training to improve troop readiness and overall well-being. We also feature some great "didyaknows". (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
This episode of Solutions News focuses on FARMING and solutions to bring economic resiliency as well as to support farms in addressing climate change & corporate consolidation. We were also thrilled to welcome California Assemblymember Monique Limón, as our guest for this show. We also discuss how states are playing a significant leadership role in creating policies to address climate change. And of course, we have some fun “didyaknows” (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
On this episode of Solutions News, we are turning a spotlight on activists and their important work. In our main story today, we will take a look at a couple of activists and the ways that they have used their voices to change society. For these truly dedicated people, neither age nor physical condition is an impediment to successfully being the change that they want to be. While these activists are certainly inspiring, their stories demonstrate the ways that anyone can help change the world with simple actions. Our Guest is Heal the Ocean Founder, Hillary Hauser. (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
On this episode of Solutions News, recorded on March 22 - World Water Day, we talk about LA’s new solution to address its water needs in the future and then we ask how agriculture - that uses about 80% of the water in California - is dealing with a water scare world. Our guest is Das Williams, 1st district supervisor for Santa Barbara County. We finish up the show with a discussion on an interesting tactic being deployed in Toledo for protecting its water source, and some great “didyaknows”. (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
On today’s show, we talk about the growth of microgrids and how reimagining our local energy infrastructure can lead to more resilient communities. We then turn to community actions that serve a dual purpose - bringing people together and also cleaning up local beaches.
Our guest is Craig Lewis, the Executive Director of the Clean Coalition - an organization that’s working hard to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. We finish up the show with a discussion on some amazing happenings in our natural backyard, the benefits of nature, and some great “didyaknows”. (Producer & Guest host: Kristy Jansen. Guest co-host: Summers McKay)
On this episode of Solutions News, we talk about bioplastics being developed as renewable, biodegradable and non-toxic solutions to petroleum-based plastic. We then turn to the concept of personal resilience and take a close look at several college programs that are being deployed to help young people learn resiliency skills in the face of trauma, crisis, or just frustration. Our Guest is Sunrise Activist Rose Strauss, and we finish the hour with “didyaknows” and a story about productive anger – and how it can be the source of both personal power and positive social change. (Producer & Guest Host: Kristy Jansen. Guest co-host: Summers McKay)
On this episode of Solutions News, Rinaldo reports on new carbon capture processing plants that cost-effectively remove carbon dioxide from the air and store it, then he discusses technologies that pull clean water from the air using a variety of techniques including solar energy or nanofiber cloth nets. He has an engaging interview with relationship expert Arielle Ford, who tells our listeners how to find their "soul mate" or how to turn their current mates into something closer to a "soul mate". The final story looks at the benefits of mindfulness meditation - which is even better than a vacation for relieving stress, though vacation is awesome and Rinaldo is planning to take one. We also do some "didyaknows". (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
This week Solutions News interviews U.S. Congressman and newly appointed Vice-chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Salud Carbajal. Our lead story is about how the Ports of Long Beach and LA are becoming ground zero for testing out new zero-emissions trucks. We also highlight some new legislation proposed by our Guest, Congressman Salud Carbajal, that would require public companies to disclose political contributions through the SEC. After Rinaldo interviews Representative Carbajal and some “Didya Knows”, the hour finishes with a story about effective techniques to make friends.
Ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach Because of all of the industry and business in the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, there have been severe issues with air quality in the area. As a result, the ports have become great testing bed for new technologies to help decrease pollution levels. Since 2005, the ports have been working to reduce pollution by phasing out diesel trucks. In the 2017 plan, the focus was on electric and hybrid trucks as well as electric fuel cell powertrains. However, in 2018, the ports turned towards hydrogen fuel cell trucks through an agreement with Toyota to build the fuel cells and Paccar to build the actual trucks. So far, there are ten prototype trucks working, and the cities hope that it will be successful enough to phase out the 16,000 diesel trucks in use.
Political Disclosure Act of 2019 Ever since the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, money has had an undue influence in our elections. More importantly, dark money has allowed money to flow to political candidates without disclosures or a sense of transparency. Representative Carbajal is reintroducing the Political Disclosure Act (HR 1053), that Republican leadership prevented from leaving committee in the last session of Congress. The bill would require all publicly traded companies to disclose all political contributions through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Beyond the important issue of transparency, H.R. 1053 would hold public companies accountable for the ways in which companies spend political money and the amount that they spend in a given election cycle.
Making Friends The last story on the show this week emphasized seven awkward tips to help make friends. Throughout our lives, making friends is always a hardship, and we can all agree that we could use more friends. While the process of making friends is not easy, some simple tips can allow us to make friends more effectively. For example, using text messages or email to suggest something another person will find interesting is a simple way to begin a dialogue and create points of mutual interest. Similarly, it is important to make the first move. A lot of times people are nervous to begin a dialogue or just do not want to expend the effort that it takes, when a little bit of effort goes a long way to making a friend. (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
In this week’s episode of Solutions News, we discuss microgrids in Puerto Rico, talk about corporations underwriting farmers’ transitions to organic food, and Rinaldo interviews Margaret Klein Salamon. After a discussion about the Green New Deal and Margaret’s organization The Climate Mobilization, Rinaldo discusses the ways in which gratitude changes your brain.
Puerto Rico A year after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, the island has a plan to recreate the electricity grid as a decentralized microgrid. The latest integrated resource plan (IRP), would divide the island into eight connected regional mini-grids generating independent sources of energy. In the case of a future storm, even if one of the grids was knocked out, the others would function and could pick up the slack. Rinaldo talks about the importance of creating a new sustainable grid but advises against portions of the plan involving liquid natural gas (LNG). He also relates the story to microgrids being created in Montecito and Goleta.
Transitioning to Organic Farming In 2018, four of the largest food companies, Nestle USA, Danone North America, Mars, and Unilever-United States formed the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance. The alliance is developing a loan system to help farmers transition to sustainable and organic farming. Because the process takes at least three years to make the transition, it has previously been tough to do without any financial support.
Gratitude Changes the Brain It turns out that actively showing gratitude in everyday life not only changes your perspective but it also chemically changes your brain. Studies have found that gratitude is associated with more health grey matter in the brain. Interestingly, other studies have been able to quantify that groups tracking gratitude in their lives felt 25% happier than groups tracking neutral or negative events. Over a period of ten weeks, the “gratitude group” also ended up exercising an extra 1.5 hours on average compared to the other groups. Being grateful is an easy way to reduce anxiety and depression while feeling noticeably happier overall. (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
This week, Rinaldo digs into some solutions to the problem of food waste, turns a spotlight on the growing development of solar installations in sub-Saharan Africa, and interviews Jim Selman of real-timeworld.com. There are also some great Didyaknows, and a curious story about smoking in Hawaii. Tune in now! (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
On this week's show, Rinaldo interviews the founder of SustainableFuture.org - Seth Streeter. In addition, Rinaldo talks about how investors and the public are making their voices heard with Fast Food giants and other corporations who are responding to public demands that they move towards sustainability by cleaning up the supply chains and buying more renewable energy than ever. He ends the show by focusing on new legislation that re-enfranchises voters in Florida and Iowa and other legal trends to enhance voting rights in the USA. (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
In this week's episode of Solutions News, Rinaldo discusses agritech and how a focus on smaller, smarter farms will make our food systems more secure; he and Kristy talk about the plastic problem and how some are working to combat it, and Rinaldo interviews the brilliant evolution biologist Elisabet Sahtouris. Their lively discussion of how nature is on our side will inspire and delight our listeners. Take a listen! (Producer: Kristy Jansen)
On this episode of Solutions News, Rinaldo Brutoco discusses the upside opportunity with PG&E Declaring Bankruptcy, describes a shuttered coal plant in Holyoke, MA that converted to a solar + storage facility under pressure from community activists, and runs through some great "Didya knows". He also interviews Joe Simonetta about his book: 7 Words to Change the World. Producer: Kristy Jansen
The Inaugural episode of Solutions News! Each week we will address a wide range of issues including climate change, personal growth and development, solutions for the economy, and personal investing, to name some.
We kick off this show with Marc McGinnes as our guest. One of the original organizers of Earth Day in 1970, the founder of multiple environmental activist organizations, and a founding member of UCSB's Environmental Studies program, Marc calls himself an "environmental elder". He's just published IN LOVE WITH EARTH, a new book that is "part memoir, part love letter, part call to action". The news topics we explore include litigation against Exxon Mobil, the "Problem of Stuff" and new "right to repair" actions, emotional IQ, and of course "didyaknows". Producer: Kristy Jansen.