Climate Changed

The Bible and Climate Change with Kyle Meyaard-Schaap and Peterson Toscano

In this episode of Climate Changed, host Ben Yosua-Davis is joined by guest host Derrick Weston to explore how the Bible can inform climate action. Featuring conversations with Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap and Peterson Toscano, they discuss how scripture and faith-based teachings can guide Christians toward a hopeful and proactive response to the climate crisis.
See full show notes, transcript, and more by visiting www.climatechangedpodcast.org
 
Grounding: 
The episode opens with a grounding exercise led by Beverly Ward, Field Secretary for Earthcare for Southeastern Yearly Meeting. Beverly invites listeners to recall their earliest, most joyful memories in nature, emphasizing how these experiences can inspire a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and care for creation.
Main Conversation:
Host Ben Yosua-Davis and guest host Derrick Weston listen to Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap and Peterson Toscano engage in a thoughtful discussion on how the Bible and Christian faith can be foundational to climate action. Rev. Meyaard-Schaap, Executive Director of the Association for a More Just Society–US, shares insights from his recent book, Following Jesus in a Warming World, which explores how climate advocacy expresses Christian discipleship. Peterson Toscano, is a Bible scholar and in addition to producing the Climate Changed podcast, he works on other podcasts including Citizens Climate Radio, Quakers Today, and Bubble and Squeak.  A climate-focused performance artist, in this episode he shares his personal “climate life verse” and reflects on how Biblical teachings have shaped his environmental work. Together, they explore the role of scripture in guiding and inspiring practical steps toward environmental responsibility and justice.
Next Steps: 
Reflect on a Climate Life Verse: Identify a Bible verse or story that grounds you in creation care, and share it with a friend or on social media.
Engage in Lectio Terra: Take 20–40 minutes practicing Lectio Terra, a meditative exercise inspired by Lectio Divina that encourages connection with scripture, God, and the land.
Organize a Climate Sunday: Host a Climate Sunday service at your church featuring climate-centered sermons and calls to climate action.
Join Seasonal Climate Actions: Participate in programs like the Lent Carbon Fast with friends to reduce your carbon footprint.
Shorten Your Food Chain: Support local agriculture by growing your own food or connecting with nearby farmers, reducing the distance your food travels. Discover more resources at Creation Justice Ministries.
Additional Resources:
Creation Care: A Biblical Theology of the Natural World — explore how scripture calls us to care for creation.
Young Evangelicals for Climate Action — a network supporting young Christians in climate advocacy.
The Green Lectionary Podcast, hosted by Derrick Weston
What Does the Bible Say about Climate Change, Episode 30 of Citizens Climate Radio
Meet Guest(s): 
Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap: Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap is the Executive Director of the Association for a More Just Society–US. An ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church in North America, Kyle holds a B.A. in religious studies from Calvin University and an M.Div. from Western Theological Seminary. For over a decade, he has mobilized Christians worldwide to engage with climate action as an act of discipleship. His recent book, Following Jesus in a Warming World, has garnered national and international attention, with features in PBS, NPR, CNN, and The New York Times. Kyle lives with his wife and two sons in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Peterson Toscano: Peterson Toscano is a performance artist and activist known for his creative approaches to climate advocacy. As a podcast host of Citizens Climate Radio, Quakers Today, and Bubble and Squeak, Peterson uses storytelling to inspire action on climate change, social justice, and LGBTQ+ issues. His work encourages listeners to view climate change as an invitation to imagine and build a more hopeful, just world.
Beverly Ward: Beverly Ward serves as Field Secretary for Earthcare at Southeastern Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends and co-clerk of Quaker Earthcare Witness. Beverly assists local meetings with environmental stewardship projects and connects them to broader Quaker initiatives. She collaborates with the Quaker United Nations Office, represents the Florida Council of Churches, and teaches anthropology at the University of South Florida.
Derrick Weston: Derrick Weston is a writer, filmmaker, podcaster, and educator who focuses on the intersection of food, faith, and social justice. He co-hosts the Food and Faith podcast and created the film series A Wilderness Like Eden, which highlights food justice work within church communities. Derrick holds degrees in film studies and divinity and a health ministry certification. His recent book, The Just Kitchen, encourages sustainable and connected approaches to cooking and community. Derrick lives near Baltimore, Maryland, with his wife and four children.
 

Jewish Perspectives on Climate Change with Joelle Novey and Jessica Jacobs

Brief Episode Description:
In this episode, Nicole Diroff and guest co-host Dr. Keisha McKenzie discuss Jewish perspectives on climate change with Joelle Novey, director of Interfaith Power & Light (DC, MD, and Northern VA), and poet Jessica Jacobs. Joelle shares insights into how her Jewish faith informs her climate work and reads from her latest poetry collection, Unalone.
For full show notes, including links and transcript, visit www.climatechangedpodcast.org
Grounding:
The episode begins with a grounding moment from Jessica Jacobs, who reads her poem “Collective Nouns” from her poetry collection Unalone. The poem proposes an alternative view of Noah and the Ark story. Jessica’s evocative language offers a moment of reflection as listeners prepare to engage with the conversation.
Main Conversation:
Joelle Novey shares how her Jewish faith guides her commitment to climate action, drawing from centuries of Jewish wisdom on justice and community. She highlights the importance of religious values in confronting the climate crisis, such as the Jewish principle of "pikuach nefesh" (saving a life), and how it drives her work. Joelle also discusses practical climate solutions through grassroots organizing, offering inspiring stories about her work with faith communities and environmental advocacy.
Dr. Keisha McKenzie and Nicole reflect on the stories of Noah’s Ark, addressing "small boat theology" and how climate action should include everyone, not just a select few. Together, they challenge listeners to consider how they can contribute to building a future of solidarity and collective action in response to climate change.
Next Steps:
Join a Movement: Joelle encourages listeners to join or create a movement within their community that promotes systemic climate action. To connect with others, check out Interfaith Power & Light’s national network.
Community Organizing: Think about ways you can partner with local organizations or faith communities to amplify your climate advocacy. Collective action is powerful!
Start a Conversation: Initiate discussions about climate change within your congregation or community, asking how they can respond with integrity and compassion.
Additional Resources:
(Add BTS Center resources and other resources)
All We Can Save Project
Meet the Guests:
Dr. Keisha E. McKenzie, our guest co-host,  s a strategist and thought leader who blends communication, religion, spirituality, and politics as tools for social change. With over sixteen years of experience in nonprofit and educational leadership across the US, Keisha’s work spans leadership facilitation, faith organizing, and development strategy. She holds a PhD in technical communication and rhetoric from Texas Tech University, where her research focused on British governmental communication about weapons of mass destruction. Dr. McKenzie is a co-host of the PRX podcast Moral Repair: A Black Exploration of Tech and is deeply committed to advancing faith-rooted justice and human dignity.
Keisha’s website
Glitch
LinkedIn
Mastodon
Spotify
Joelle Novey is the director of Interfaith Power & Light (DC, MD, and Northern VA), where she mobilizes faith communities to engage in climate action. Joelle has a background in social studies and religion from Harvard and previously worked at Green America. Her work focuses on empowering religious communities to act on their moral obligation to protect the planet.
Interfaith Power & Light
Jessica Jacobs is an award-winning poet and author of Unalone, a collection of poems that engage deeply with the Hebrew Bible. Her work reflects on themes of climate change, spirituality, and justice, using poetic language to draw connections between ancient stories and contemporary crises.
Jessica’s Website
Instagram

The Power of Ritual and Story with Brian McLaren and Favianna Rodriguez

In the Season Three premiere of the Climate Changed Podcast, hosts Ben Yosua-Davis and Nicole Diroff engage in a powerful conversation with Brian McLaren, an influential author, activist, and public theologian. They explore the vital role faith communities can play in addressing climate change, drawing on insights from McLaren’s latest book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. The discussion focuses on navigating and redefining hope, resilience, and meaningful action in the face of our current environmental crises.
Links to discussion guide and transcript
Grounding: 
The episode begins with a grounding exercise led by artist and activist Favianna Rodriguez, who reads from her essay “Harnessing Cultural Power” from the anthology All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis. Rodriguez emphasizes the transformative power of stories in shaping culture and driving social change, particularly in the climate movement. Her words set the stage for the episode’s exploration of how narratives and rituals can inspire collective action.
Listen to Favianna read the entire essay. 
Main Conversation:
Brian McLaren joins the podcast to discuss his new book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. The conversation touches on the profound sense of "doom" many feel in the face of climate change and how this emotion can be harnessed to foster courage and hope. McLaren explains that his book is not about predicting the end of the world but rather about navigating the complex emotions and challenges of our time. He discusses the importance of confronting our fears and how faith leaders can help guide communities through these uncertain times. The episode also delves into how religious texts, like the Bible, can be reinterpreted as ecological literature offering wisdom for today’s climate crisis.
You are invited to Life After Doom: An Evening with Brian McLaren https://thebtscenter.org/life-after-doom-a-book-study/Wednesday, October 30 • 7.00 - 8.30pm (Eastern) • Online
And Special Book Study
Life After Doom: A Book Study https://thebtscenter.org/life-after-doom-a-book-study/
Tuesdays 4:00pm - 5:15pm (Eastern) • OnlineOctober 15 – November 19, 2024
Next Steps: 
Start a Climate Journal: Reflect on your feelings about living in a climate-changed world. Personalize a journal and set aside 20–30 minutes each week to write, draw, or press leaves. Begin by noting your takeaways from this episode.
Share with a Friend: Tell a friend about this episode and discuss Brian McLaren’s book, Life After Doom. Consider why it might be important for others to read and reflect on it.
Engage in Prayer or Meditation: After listening to the conversation, take time to ground yourself. Consider praying or meditating on the insights shared, especially if you feel overwhelmed.
Additional Resources:
Brian McLaren’s Website
All We Can Save Project
Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart
Life After Doom Playlist
Meet Guest: 
Guest bio with social media links + headshot
Brian McLaren is an author, activist, and public theologian known for his pioneering work in progressive Christianity. His latest book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, provides a roadmap for facing the future with honesty, hope, and courage. McLaren is a core faculty member and the Dean of Faculty at the Center for Action and Contemplation, co-hosts the podcast Learning How to See, and is an Auburn Senior Fellow.
Twitter
Instagram
Favianna Rodriguez is an artist, activist, and cultural organizer based in Oakland, California. She is renowned for her vibrant artwork and advocacy, which focus on social justice issues such as immigration, racial justice, gender equity, and climate change. Rodriguez is the co-founder of The Center for Cultural Power, where she empowers artists to create work that fosters social change. Her essay, Harnessing Cultural Power, featured in the anthology All We Can Save, highlights the importance of storytelling in the climate movement and was a focal point in this episode’s grounding exercise.
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Website
THANK YOUS
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this episode possible:
Brian McLaren and Favianna Rodriguez, for sharing their insights and wisdom with us.
Anna Barron, our fantastic podcast production intern, for her work producing the Next Steps segment and contributing to the overall episode production.
Rev. Ash Temin, Communications Manager at The BTS Center, for her vital role in ensuring the smooth communication and promotion of this episode.
Peterson Toscano for his continued excellence in producing the Climate Changed Podcast.
The BTS Center thanks you for your ongoing support and for providing the resources and platform that make this podcast possible.
For discussion guide, transcripts, and more visit www.climatechangedpodcast.org
 

Get Ready for Season Three: You are Invited to the Special Online Launch Party

🎉 Join Us for the Climate Changed Season Three Launch Party! 🎉
We're kicking off the new season of Climate Changed with a special online party, and YOU'RE invited!
🗓 When: Monday, September 16th, 7:30–8:30 PM (Eastern) 📍 Where: Online (free event!)
Be the first to listen to the brand new season as we debut our Season Three opener, featuring an interview with the amazing Brian McLaren. Meet your hosts, Ben Yosua-Davis, Nicole Diroff, and producer Peterson Toscano, and take part in an exclusive behind-the-scenes Q&A. You’ll also get the chance to win books by some of this season's featured guests, and who knows—you might even catch a special appearance from them during the event! 👀📚
Don't miss out on the chance to connect with fellow listeners and celebrate the launch of our most exciting season yet.
👉 Register now to get your access link: https://thebtscenter.org/climate-changed-season-three-launch-party/
We can't wait to celebrate with you! 🎧🌍
#ClimateChanged #PodcastLaunch #SeasonThree #BrianMcLaren #TheBTSCenter #ClimateAction #BehindTheScenes #PodcastParty #FreeEvent #JoinUs

Ben Yosua-Davis Gives a Sneak Peek of Season Three

Nicole Diroff Gives a Sneak Peek of Season Three

Nicole Diroff shares some of the details for the upcoming third season of Climate Changed podcast. This season we will explore the concept of courage in the face of climate change as we emphasize the need to prioritize collective salvation over individual salvation. We will highlight the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of caring for the planet as a whole. You will hear various perspectives on the role of faith and spirituality in addressing climate change, and in every episode, we will provide meaningful, tangible Next Steps you can take. 
Guests Include Joelle Novey, from the Washington, DC/Maryland/Virginia chapter of Interfaith Power and Light. 
Dr. Keisha McKenzie, a strategist who interprets communication, religion, spirituality, and politics as social change technologies.
Author, Elizabeth Rush, and British climate change communicator, Sophia Cheng. 
Season Premiere: September 17, 2024 with guests Brian McClaren and Favianna Rodriguez. 
Hey there. I'm Nicole Diroff. Ben Yosua-Davis and I are the hosts of the Climate Changed podcast. Throughout the past few months, we've had the pleasure of speaking with incredibly wise and insightful guests. In addition to this, we've reached out to faith leaders to provide us with reflections that will ground us as we confront the difficult truths about the challenges that lie ahead and are here already for so many of us. We've curated practical next steps for anyone looking for ideas on how to play their part in addressing climate change and the many spiritual needs associated with it. Currently, we're in the final stages of preparing season three of Climate Changed. Our focus for this new season is "Courage in a Climate Changed World." We also wonder about the common good as we push for an embrace of collective salvation over individual salvation. In this new season, I will speak with people I have been in conversation with for years, like Joelle Novey.
Joelle Novey  
Really thinking about getting through the climate crisis to something better requires contradicting the thinking that got us here, and the way to do that is to ask a question that starts from the sanctity of all that is and saying, how do we all work together to save all that is sacred?
Nicole Diroff  
And Dr, Keisha Mackenzie,
Dr. Keisha McKenzie  
You go into the woods, you're breathing air that the trees have processed for you, and you didn't charge them any fees for it, and they're not charging you any fees for it. You are part, just by walking into their space, part of something much larger and bigger, something that nourishes you, and you, by breathing are also nourishing them. To just have these moments of experiencing the abstract ecosystem that we often talk about, like, what does that mean? It means we're part of something larger. Yeah, and those kind of revelations, I think those do enliven me.
Nicole Diroff Along with people I speak with for the very first time, such as author Elizabeth Rush,
Elizabeth Rush  
Something that feels important that often gets side stepped in climate conversations is I know climate change is a thing. I want it to get better, but I don't know how. Right? We have an idea that you have to, like, go be a climate activist, and that's how you, like, care the people who want to be climate activists should go be climate activists. But like, don't saddle yourself with a set of expectations that are gonna make it hard for you to continue to show up for that thing, choose a thing that's something that you care about.
Nicole Diroff  
And Sophia Cheng.
Sophia Cheng  
The mentality and thoughts that keep us spinning around this rat race has also been the space that's opened up, and realizing that the climate crisis, and living the climate change world, a bit like the themes that you and Liz were talking about, is not zero sum. This doesn't always have to be a narrative of sacrifice. There is opportunity and there is space for our needs. I think Liz referred to it as our desires, and there is space to create.
As a mother to a 10 year old, having these conversations is incredibly important to me. During times of global uncertainty, we can be tempted to turn against one another in an effort to protect ourselves. However, we must find the skills and practices to turn towards one another in these challenging times, like many others who tune into our show, I'm looking for guidance and motivation. I'm truly thankful for these podcast discussions as they encourage me to embrace generosity in our rapidly changing world. The Climate Change podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can visit climate change podcast.org to access the episodes, discussion guides, show notes and transcripts. Season Three will premiere in September 2024. I hope I'm in your earbuds you.

What Roles Can Religion Play? with Shanon Shah

In our final episode of Season Two, we’re joined by Dr. Shanon Shah, an advocate whose work is at the intersection of faith, human rights, and climate change. Shanon's multifaceted career includes journalism, theater, and academia in Malaysia before his relocation to London. A practicing Muslim, Shanon is also a scholar in the sociology of religion and the Senior Deputy Editor of the Muslim Institute's flagship publication, Critical Muslim. He serves as the Director of Faith for Climate, a UK-based organization that seeks to empower faith communities in the struggle against climate change.
This episode is an inspiring dive into the rich tapestry of Shanon's identity as a queer Muslim man and how that identity informs his perspectives on climate justice. He discusses the invaluable role that faith traditions play in shaping our understanding of climate change, social justice, and collective action. From spiritual resilience to confronting issues of power and reparations, Shanon illustrates how religion can provide both a moral compass and a community for change.
Host Nicole Diroff joins Shanon Shah in exploring the role of faith communities in addressing climate change, particularly leading up to and during the COP26 conference. Both speakers wrestle with questions of power, social location, and the complex entanglements of religion with imperialism and colonialism — offering  listeners a complicated but hopeful view of the potential for faith communities to play a transformative role in climate justice.
Grounding: 
The Seed: If you attended Convocation 2021, you'll remember some really sacred moments as our Convocation music leader, Pax Ressler, shared their original song, "The Soil," commissioned by The BTS Center especially for Convocation. Pax joins us to sing “The Seed” as a grounding practice for this episode of the podcast. 
Several of you have asked for sheet music, and with special thanks to Pax, now it's available — and not only sheet music, but a lead sheet, a lyrics sheet, and an mp3 recording — all free for download.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
The significance of religious traditions in understanding and tackling climate change
How the concept of 'Loss and Damage' equates to moral and historical reparations
The role of power dynamics in climate justice
Collective honesty and complicated hope as pillars of climate activism
Creating spiritual refuges to endure through and respond to climate change
The resonance between Islamic and Christian scriptures in relation to social and environmental justice
A Special Moment: Don’t miss the beautiful exchange between Shanon and our host, where Shanon cites prayers from Islamic and Christian traditions that encapsulate the faith-inspired vision for a just and sustainable world.
Next Steps from the Conversation:
Five Steps for Interfaith Understanding (via Interfaith Philadelphia’s Passport to Understanding):
Be Curious: Seek to understand others.
Venture Out: Experience cultures and ideas different from your own.
Welcome In: Be hospitable and open, to learn about oneself and others.
Stand Tall: Find pride in your own identity.
Stand With: Be part of communities bigger than yourself, including more-than-human communities.
Practical Next Steps:
Think critically about power dynamics, especially the role of money in enabling or perpetuating societal and environmental issues.
Visit Interfaith Philadelphia's website to explore their 'passport to understanding'.
Reflect on Power and Religion: Think deeply about how religion can be an avenue to discuss loss, damage, repair, and particularly the economics behind it all.
Check out Greenfaith.org: For those interested in the intersection of faith and climate change, focusing on who is financing climate collapse.
Engage in Vision Casting: The BTS Center’s resource, 'Epistolary Practice of Play for the Seventh Generation', helps you reflect on what wisdom you’d want to pass on to descendants seven generations from now.
Peterson Toscano's Red Cross Volunteering: Various ways to engage in community support through Red Cross volunteering:
Disaster Action Team: Provide immediate emergency assistance.Blood Donor Ambassadors: Assist in the blood donation process.Disaster Mental Health Volunteers: Provide mental health support during disasters.Spiritual Care Volunteers: Offer spiritual guidance and support.
Meet Shanon Shah
Shanon is the Director of Faith for the Climate. He balanced careers in human rights advocacy, journalism, and theatre and music in his native Malaysia before relocating to London in 2010. He holds a doctorate in the sociology of religion from King’s College London and is a Fellow of the London-based Muslim Institute, where he is Senior Deputy Editor of its flagship quarterly publication, Critical Muslim. He also conducts research for the Information Network Focus on Religious Movements (INFORM), an independent educational charity based at King’s College London, and is Tutor in Islam at the University of London Worldwide.
Meet Pax Ressler
Pax Ressler (they/she) is a non-binary performer, devisor, music director, and composer who believes singing is one of the most human and communal things we can do. She blends and infuses her love for cabaret, musical theater, and harmony into her music work, including writing an album of non-binary love songs and gardening Philadelphia’s paid civic singing collective, Rise Choir (@risechoircollective). Pax is a passionate advocate and organizer of the local non-binary and trans theatre community with Genderfunk Philly (@genderfunkphilly). Their compositions have been shared in The Bearded Ladies' Barrymore Award-winning Contradict This! A Birthday Funeral for Heroes and in productions at La Mama Experimental Theatre and at the Guggenheim in NYC. paxressler.com @paxressler 

Am I the Right Person? with Margaret Wheatley

In this thought-provoking episode of the podcast "Am I the Right Person?," Ben engages in deeply insightful conversations with Margaret Wheatley, an icon in organizational leadership, and Debra Rienstra, author of Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonder, and the Healing of the Earth. Wheatley paints a grim picture of the future, citing escalating climate issues, political tensions, and social unrest. Despite this outlook, she argues that meaningful, spiritually-based work can still be done. By facing the harsh realities, humans can focus on values like kindness, generosity, and community.
Wheatley emphasizes the importance of accepting that large-scale systems are unlikely to change, urging people to focus on smaller "islands of sanity" where meaningful impact is still possible. She contends that instead of grand ambitions of saving the world, we should look at what is needed in our immediate environments and ask whether we are the right people to meet those needs. For leaders feeling overwhelmed, she advises fostering environments where people can rediscover their best qualities and collaborate on shared goals.
Drawing parallels with the concept of the "dark night of the soul," the discussion also explores how commitment to living meaningfully doesn't have to be tied to specific outcomes. This is especially relevant in privileged Western contexts where efficacy is often judged based on measurable results. The episode delves into the harsh truths of our time, the existential crises they provoke, and how we can still find meaningful ways to contribute.
Special guest co-host Debra Rienstra joins Ben for a conversation.
DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR SMALL GROUP CONVERSATIONS
VIEW TRANSCRIPT
 
Meet Margaret Wheatley
Margaret (Meg) Wheatley, Ed.D. began caring about the world’s peoples in 1966 as a Peace Corps volunteer in post-war Korea. As a consultant, senior-level advisor, teacher, speaker, and formal leader, she has worked on all continents (except Antarctica) with all levels, ages, and types of organizations, leaders, and activists. Her work now focuses on developing and supporting leaders globally as Warriors for the Human Spirit. These leaders put service over self, stand steadfast through crises and failures, and make a difference for the people and causes they care about. With compassion and insight, they know how to invoke people’s inherent generosity, creativity, kindness, and community — no matter what’s happening around them.
Margaret has written ten books, including the classic Leadership and the New Science, and has been honored for her pathfinding work by many professional associations, universities, and organizations. She received her Doctorate from Harvard University in 1979, an M.A. in Media Ecology from NYU in 1974, and a B.A. from University of Rochester in 1966. She spent a year at University College London 1964-65. Her website is designed as a library of free resources as well as information about products and her speaking calendar: www.margaretwheatley.com
Meet The Many
The Many is an uncommon, intentionally diverse collective making music for people to sing together about peace and justice and a world where all belong. Drawing on indie pop and gospel influences, The Many makes music to help give voice to faith and doubt, questions and fears, laments and longings, music that speaks to a non-violent God, a Jesus who is with us and for us, and to a Spirit that can't be easily defined or controlled.  
It's music for a movement of resistance to hatred and division, for reconciliation and restoration, and music that always reminds us "we are on this earth to love."
Meet Debra Rienstra
Debra Rienstra is professor of English at Calvin University. Her most recent book is Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth (Fortress 2022). Rienstra is also the host of the Refugia Podcast and writes bi-weekly for The Reformed Journal. She is also a member of Third Act Faith.
Website: https://debrarienstra.com/Twitter: @debrakrienstra (although I'm not on there much anymore)FB: https://www.facebook.com/debrakrienstraInstagram: @rienstradebra
 
 

How Do You Love the World As It Is? with Ray Buckley

We explore how to navigate love and responsibility in a rapidly changing world, particularly in the face of climate change. We're honored to have Ray Buckley join us for this conversation. Ray is a teacher, storyteller, author, and poet of Lakota, Tlingit, and Scots descent. He brings a unique blend of cultural and spiritual wisdom, particularly the profound understanding of what it means to be in "good relationship" with the Creator, fellow human beings, and all of creation. Ray's experiences growing up in a culturally rich environment and caring for his brother Rick have deeply influenced his worldview. (For complete show notes and full transcript visit: https://thebtscenter.org/climate-changed/podcast-season-two-episode-4/
Our conversation dives into:
The concept of being a 'human being' from Native and Celtic perspectives, emphasizing balance and relationality.
The importance of recognizing and respecting all of creation as "persons."
The spiritual and emotional toll of losing species and ecosystems, witnessed through gatherings of elders from various indigenous communities.
How to maintain ethical and compassionate behavior in a world facing the impending loss of so much life.
Whether you're coming from a place of privilege or are directly affected by the struggles of the world, this episode is a heart-felt guide on how to love the world as it is, while also acting responsibly for its future. We talk about what it means to stand in "good relationship" with everything and everyone around us, and how that might just be the key to facing our uncertain future.
This episode is a rich tapestry of wisdom, humor, and poignant moments that challenge us to reconsider our roles in this shared, sacred journey we call life. So take a deep breath, and prepare to be both grounded and elevated by this transformative conversation.
Meet Ray Buckley
Ray Buckley is the interim Director of the Center for Native American Spirituality and Christian Study. Buckley has served The United Methodist Church as a staff member of The United Methodist Publishing House, Director of the Native People’s Communication Office (UMCom) for nine years, and Director of Connectional Ministries for the Alaska Missionary Conference.
Most recently, Buckley wrote Hard to Dance with the Devil on Your Back and contributed to A New Dawn in Beloved Community. Also, he is the author/illustrator of five books: God’s Love is Like…, The Give-Away: A Christmas Story in the Native American Tradition, The Wing, Christmas Moccasins, and Dancing with Words: Storytelling as Legacy, Culture, and Faith. He is also the author of Creator Sang a Welcoming Song, and Walking in These White Man Shoes, children and youth resources for the Women’s Division School of Missions.
Buckley has taught in Nigeria and Ghana and served as a lecturer in Native American studies for several universities.
Ray Buckley is of Lakota/Tlingit/Scots descent. Ray is one of several Native leaders profiled in As Long As the Waters Flow: Native Americans in the South and East by Frye Gillard, and The Power of Eagles: Nature's Way to Individual Accomplishment by Twyman L. Towery.
Books by Ray BuckleyHoly Living: PrayerHard To Dance With the Devil On Your BackThe Wing 
Grounding
In this "Grounding" segment of Climate Changed, Peterson Toscano addresses the emotional and mental toll that caring for the world can take, especially in the context of climate change and social issues. Originally planning to record outdoors, Toscano is forced indoors due to wildfires, symbolizing the need for adaptability in a changing world. He speaks directly to his busy, concerned listeners, acknowledging the multitude of issues that weigh on their hearts, from social justice and politics to environmental worries and personal relationships. Toscano offers comforting wisdom: while you can't solve all of the world's problems, you can still make a meaningful contribution. By setting boundaries and focusing on what is personally "yours to do," you can be an effective change agent without becoming overwhelmed. The overarching message is one of empowered hope: your heart has the capacity to care deeply for many issues, and there's room for love and action even in challenging times.
This podcast is a project of The BTS Center in Portland, Maine, USA www.thebtscenter.org

What is Mine to Do? with Eileen Flanagan

In this eye-opening episode of our podcast, we bring you an enlightening conversation with Eileen Flanagan — a Quaker author, activist, and organizer who strives to make activism more effective. Co-hosts Dr. Keisha McKenzie and Nicole Diroff dive deep into topics that challenge us on how we approach climate change, social justice, and activism.
Discussion Guide for Small Group Conversations: https://thebtscenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Climate-Changed-S02-E03-Discussion-Guide.pdf
Full Transcript: https://thebtscenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Eileen-Flanagan-What-is-Mine-to-Do_otter_ai.pdf
Official podcast page: https://thebtscenter.org/climate-changed/
Grounding Reflection:
The episode kicks off with a grounding reflection by The BTS Center's Executive Director, Reverend Dr. Allen Ewing-Merrill, featuring an evocative poem by Lori Hetteen that urges us to embrace joy even when the world feels like it's burning.
Main Conversation:
Nicole's rich dialogue with Eileen traverses diverse themes, from the interconnectedness of all life to the role of spiritual leaders in times of climate crisis. Eileen's commitment to a spiritually grounded and effective climate justice movement is as educational as it is inspiring. They discuss how systemic divisions perpetuated by those in power harm not just humans but the entire planet.
Four Rules of Social Change:
Eileen shares invaluable advice on effective activism, breaking it down into four roles: the Helper, the Advocate, the Organizer, and the Rebel. Find out which role you naturally fit into and how stepping out of your comfort zone can yield transformative change.
Wisdom and Courage:
In a thought-provoking moment, Eileen shares her love for the Serenity Prayer and how its essence has guided her in choosing battles wisely and courageously. She sheds light on how the plural version of the prayer, initially penned by Reinhold Niebuhr during World War II, encourages collective action, changing the question from "What can I do?" to "What can we do?"
Whether you're an activist fighting fatigue or a concerned individual yearning to make a difference, this episode has something for everyone.
Next Steps for Engaged Hope
By combining personal reflection with actionable steps, both individuals and organizations can identify their roles and take meaningful steps toward combating climate change and promoting sustainability.
Divestment Strategies for Faith-Based Communities:
Research Divestment Campaigns in Your Denomination: If you belong to a religious denomination, investigate whether there are existing campaigns or strategies for divesting from fossil fuels and other unsustainable investments. Examples include the United Church of Christ, the United Methodist Church, and the Roman Catholic Church.
Join Local Church Efforts: Once you've identified an existing divestment program, find out how your local congregation can get involved.
Utilize Resources: Check the show notes for links to divestment guides and resources. For instance, a divestment guide for Presbyterians is mentioned, which has practical information applicable to many.
Explore Earth Quaker Action Team's Campaign: Earth Quaker Action Team (or EQAT) is running a campaign to persuade Vanguard to offer more ethical investment options. Learn more about how to get involved at their website (eqat.org).
Self and Organizational Reflection:
Identify Your Role as a Changemaker: Eileen suggests four roles you can assume — Rebel, Advocate, Helper, and Organizer. Consider journaling to explore which of these roles you've played in the past, especially concerning climate change and sustainability.
Evaluate Institutional Roles: If you are part of an organization (like a church, school, or community group), reflect on what role that institution plays in sustainability efforts. Is it a Rebel, an Advocate, a Helper, or an Organizer?
Contribute to the Mission: Decide how you can contribute to your organization's mission based on the role(s) that most appeal to you. For example, if your organization has a divestment program, consider how you can support or expand it.
Additional Resources:
Links to Organizations Mentioned:
Equat
Citizens Climate Lobby
Friends Committee on National Legislation
Climate Changed is a podcast about pursuing faith, life, and love in a climate-changed world. Hosted by Nicole Diroff and Ben Yosua-Davis. Climate Changed features guests who deepen the conversation while also stirring the waters. The Climate Changed podcast is a project of The BTS Center. The show is produced by Peterson Toscano.
Meet Eileen Flanagan
Eileen Flanagan is known nationally for her work as a climate activist and nonviolence trainer. As board chair of Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT), she helped to develop and execute the strategy that pressured a $4 billion-a-year bank to stop financing mountaintop removal coal mining. Later, as co-director of EQAT, she helped to build the ongoing grassroots campaign against Vanguard, the world’s #1 investor in fossil fuels. The award-winning author of three books, she tells the story of why she started doing civil disobedience for climate justice in Renewable: One Woman’s Search for Simplicity, Faithfulness, and Hope. She is now working on a book about the intersection of race, climate, and spirituality. Join her newsletter or check out her online courses at eileenflanagan.com.https://twitter.com/eileenflanaganhttps://www.facebook.com/eileenflanaganauthorInsta: @eileenflanaganauthorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/eileenflanagan/Finding your Role online course: https://eileenflanagan.teachable.com/p/finding-your-role
Meet Keisha E. MacKenzie, PhD
Keisha E. McKenzie, PhD, (she/they) is a strategist who interprets communication, religion, spirituality, and politics as social change technologies. She has worked in communication and development strategy, faith organizing, research, facilitation, and management with nonprofit and educational organizations across the US since 2004. 
Keisha believes that all people have inherent worth and dignity, we deserve a world of connection and flourishing for all, and people of faith have a duty to help make that world real.
Keisha is a member of the Aspen Institute Religion and Society Program’s Powering Pluralism Network; a Rooted in Resilience Fellow at Faith Matters Network; and author at the newsletter On Tomorrow's Edge.
Fun Fact: Keisha's first climate action was the People's Climate March in New York in 2014 where she ended up between an Abraham Lincoln re-enactor and Canadians protesting tar sands.
website (mackenzian.com)Twitter and Insta: @mackenzianLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keishamckenzie/Mastodon: https://mastodon.online/@mackenzian
Meet Rev. Dr. Allen Ewing-Merril
Rev. Dr. Allen Ewing-Merrill serves as Executive Director of The BTS Center. Prior to this role, Allen taught high school English, pastored local churches, co-founded and led a small nonprofit, and organized faith leaders for advocacy and direct action around issues of justice and equity. A graduate of the University of Maine and of Boston University School of Theology, Allen recently earned a Doctor of Ministry program through Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC in partnership with Wesley House, Cambridge UK. Allen lives in Portland, Maine with his spouse, Rev. Sara Ewing-Merrill, and they are the parents of three daughters.