The Official IDEAS For Us Podcast

Chantal Bilodeau has been addressing climate issues through playwriting for 20 years. She is an artistic director, producer of live events, editor of anthologies of plays about the climate, and winner of several awards such as the Woodward International Playwriting Prize. Chantal is also co-founder of Climate Change Theatre Action, which involves commissioning 50 playwrights every other year to write a short play about an aspect of the climate, and encouraging productions of these plays by everyday people all over the world.  Interested in consuming “climate theater,” learning about climate playwriting, or getting involved in the 2023 Climate Change Theatre Action Festival? Check out climatechangetheatreaction.com and subscribe to the mailing list to be notified when the plays become available to the public.  Reading recommendations from our guest: Works by Una Chaudhuri The Great Derangement by Amitav Ghosh The World As We Knew It edited by Amy Brady and Tajja Isen All We Can Save edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson

Una Chaudhuri is the Dean for the Humanities and Vice-Dean for Interdisciplinary Initiatives at NYU, and a pioneer in the fields of eco-theatre and animal studies, among many other distinguished titles. Learn about Professor Chaudhuri's take on art and literature from an ecological perspective, the effectiveness of ecological art in addressing climate change, and more on this podcast. Links to art talked about in the podcast: 36.5: A Durational Performance with the Sea Signs, Wonders, Blunders Artist David Opdyke's postcard mural Artist and former Disney Imagineer's Twitter account, featuring postcard art

Our talk with our new 2022 IREX fellow, Joaquin Chila. IDEAS For Us has been part of a wonderful program called IREX, the International Research Exchange. This program, based out of Washington D.C., originally started as a U.S.-Soviet friendship organization and later evolved as a state department program and nonprofit. The mission of IREX's Community Solutions Program is to connect with young leaders from around the world, and match them with American nonprofits that can help them to expand their viewpoints, skill sets, and ability to serve their countries when they return home. Let's get to know Joaquin and what he hopes to cultivate during his time with our global nonprofit. 

Tuesday App wants to make every day #GivingTuesday. Learn how online auctions for the 21st century can leverage traditional philanthropy for our most pressing causes, and the role that crypto donations can play for nonprofits.

Eric Caplan, Sustainability & Resilience Program Director at Tampa International Airport, talks with IDEAS For Us CEO Clayton Louis Ferrara about his career path as a #sustainability expert, the #greentechnology he comes across in his work, the state of #electrification of #TampaBay, his admiration of #KansasCity and its #publictransportation system, and the #Disney dream of Florida #transportation, which requires many baby steps. 

Hear from One Tree Planted's CEO, Matt Hill, and Events Manager, Jodie Couture, about how they are tackling the climate crisis through reforestation and restoration. Every year, they plant millions of trees by mobilizing communities around the world and through their own science lead reforestation. Then hear from IDEAS For Us about how they have been solving global climate issues with community based solutions through an incredible partnership with One Tree Planted. Learn more at https://ideasforus.org/ and https://onetreeplanted.org/

Clayton Louis Ferrara sits down with Sara Gutterman (CEO, co-founder) of Green Builder Media to discuss their mission of affecting meaningful, positive change for a better world by advocating for sustainability and providing mind-expanding information that catalyzes and inspires commitment to sustainable living. 💌 Support this podcast by donating at ideasforus.org/donate Become a Member of IDEAS For Us at https://ideasforus.org/memberships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Jay Mukhey and Madeleine Loveday from Finastra join us to discuss the future of finance and how sustainability and climate can play a key role. Finastra is an innovative financial software company creating a platform to unlock the potential of people and businesses. They place corporate social responsibility at the heart of their culture, bringing people and technology together through financial inclusion, social innovation and an environmental mission. 💌 Support this podcast by donating at ideasforus.org/donate Become a Member of IDEAS For Us at https://ideasforus.org/memberships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Heaven Campbell from Solar United Neighbors joins us to discuss the process and benefits of joining a solar co-op in order to power your home with solar panels in the most affordable way.  💌 Support this podcast by donating at ideasforus.org/donate Become a Member of IDEAS For Us at https://ideasforus.org/memberships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Kim Ross and Kimberly Gerbert from ReThink Energy Florida join us for a wide-ranging conversation touching on climate action, policy & legislation, climate denial, and so much more. ReThink Energy Florida is a 501c3 charity with a mission to educate, engage, and empower Floridians to take action and achieve a just transition to clean energy for a healthier, more sustainable environment through youth education, adult engagement, and community organizing. 💌 Support this podcast by donating at ideasforus.org/donate Become a Member of IDEAS For Us at https://ideasforus.org/memberships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Stephen Bay is the Co-Founder and CEO of EarthUP, an environmental software as a service platform for companies and individuals to save money, reduce waste & create a healthier home. 💌 Support this podcast by donating at ideasforus.org/donate Become a Member of IDEAS For Us at https://ideasforus.org/memberships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Paul Owens, President of 1000 Friends of Florida, talks to us about his work through this organization to save special places in Florida nature and build better communities. Smarter and responsible urban growth is crucial to preserve Florida's natural spaces as our population increases. The vision of 1000 Friends of Florida is a state with abundant natural lands, a verdant network of wildlife corridors and greenways, productive farms, and pristine springs and rivers. 💌 Support this podcast by donating at ideasforus.org/donate Become a Member of IDEAS For Us at https://ideasforus.org/memberships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Lee Perry talks with Raquel Fernandez and Susannah Randolph of the Sierra Club Florida Chapter on their progress spearheading the Beyond Coal initiative to ensure accountability and responsibility on the part of utilities like OUC and their goals of committing to 100% renewable energy by 2050. 💌 Support this podcast by donating at ideasforus.org/donate Become a Member of IDEAS For Us at https://ideasforus.org/memberships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Season 2 premiere episode. Clayton Louis Ferrara talks to Doug Coward (Executive Director of SELF - the Solar Energy Loan Fund) about the work of improving homes sustainably by providing easy loans to LMI (low and moderate-income) residents. Their primary focus lies in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate resilience.  💌 Support this podcast by donating at ideasforus.org/donate Become a Member of IDEAS For Us at https://ideasforus.org/memberships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

A presentation featuring Salome Garcia, Policy and Campaigns Manager for the CLEO Institute, and Esther Sosa, Lead of Political Affairs Campaigns and Partnerships for Environmental Defense Fund.   Sponsored by GreenLatinos (https://www.greenlatinos.org/)   Salome Garcia is the Policy and Campaigns Manager for The CLEO Institute, a latinx led non-profit that drives climate action through community education and engagement. Salome works to direct the field and digital operations for the Florida Climate Pledge, a state-wide campaign to educate Florida residents and policymakers on the everyday impacts of the climate crisis. Salome also leads the environmental and climate policy advocacy work focusing on how climate issues disproportionately impact frontline communities.   Esther Sosa focuses on environmental policy and developing strategic partnerships. She serves as the project manager for the Environmental Defense Fund’s Diverse Partners initiative, which focuses on building and expanding a network of allies to support climate-related advocacy efforts. Esther is passionate about creating connections and collaboration between elected officials and community groups and other NGOs to advance climate change legislation that is equitable and just.   💌 Support more events like this by donating at ideasforus.org/donate Become A Member of IDEAS For Us at https://ideasforus.org/memberships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Lee Perry sits down with Delaney Reynolds, a climate activist and Florida native who has made waves suing the State government in regards to their dismissal of the climate crisis and the destructive fallout that is occurring as a consequence.  Delaney Reynolds Official Website:  https://delaneyreynolds.com/ The Sink or Swim Project:  http://miamisearise.com/ Our Children Trust https://www.ourchildrenstrust.org/florida Click Here to Read the Reynolds V. State of Florida Lawsuit DONATE at https://ideasforus.org/donate Become A Member of IDEAS For Us at https://ideasforus.org/memberships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Learn more at https://ideasforus.org/healthyflorida2020 Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Lee Perry sits down with, Zachary Marimon, the founder and president of Agrarian Land and Pond – a company specializing in aquatic plant management for lakes and ponds in Central Florida. He was born and raised in South Florida, between the Ocean and the Everglades – where his passion for protecting water resources began. Visit https://agrarianponds.com/ DONATE at https://ideasforus.org/donate Become A Member of IDEAS For Us at https://ideasforus.org/memberships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Learn more at https://ideasforus.org/healthyflorida2020 Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Lee Perry sits down with Taylor Bright, a multifaceted applied mycologist, ecological restoration practitioner, educator, writer and artist working to illuminate the ecological importance of the fungal Queendom and to promote the holistic regeneration of our Living Earth.   Learn more: http://bayareaappliedmycology.com/ https://www.amazonmycorenewal.org Become A Member of IDEAS For Us at https://ideasforus.org/memberships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Lee Perry sits down with Gabbie Milch, Outreach and Education Coordinator of St. Johns Riverkeeper Middle Basin (Orange, Seminole, Volusia, and Lake Counties). They discuss the looming and complex threat facing Florida's natural water supply, including all the different contributing factors, the terrifying reality of their consequences, and what actions we can take to solve it.    Learn more: https://cfwiwater.com/ & https://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/  Become A Member of IDEAS For Us at https://ideasforus.org/memberships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Chev Lovett sits down with Lee Perry to discuss the work of Organize Florida, a community-based, nonprofit member organization of low and moderate-income people dedicated to the principles of social, racial, and economic justice and the promotion of an equal and fair Florida for all. Learn more ➡ https://orgfl.org/ Support this podcast by becoming a member at ideasforus.org/memberships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Did you know that there is no protected and guaranteed human right to clean water in the US? Corporations in Florida have been increasingly taking advantage of this to utilize natural sources of water for their own financial gain without any environmental oversight.    Streams and springs there were once clear and full are now nearly drained and full of industrial runoff and nutrient excess.   Chuck O'Neal is leading the push for a Right to Clean Water as a charter amendment in Orange County, Florida on the November 3rd, 2020 ballot.   Learn more ⏩ https://righttocleanwater2020.com/ Support this podcast by becoming a member at ideasforus.org/memberships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

IDEAS For Us Executive Director Clayton Louis Ferrara sits down with Derek Demeter, the Planetarium Director at the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium at Seminole State College in Central Florida. They discuss the general programming of the planetarium, and how we can better approach our understanding of nighttime light sources and light pollution in relation to nocturnal wildlife and energy consumption. Support this podcast by becoming a member at ideasforus.org/memberships Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

IDEAS Executive Director Clayton Louis Ferrara sits down with Lana Weidgenant, a young environmental advocate who shares her journey to a plant-based diet and her story of convincing a major fast-food chain to offer a vegan menu option. Support this podcast by becoming a member at ideasforus.org/memberships Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Christopher Regis is the CEO of Suntek, a landscape and lawn maintenance company based in Orlando, FL that centers its business model on solar-powered equipment and organic pest-management products. We discuss how Suntek is working towards being a zero-emission business, how it can serve as a model and asset for other businesses, and more. Learn more about Suntek at https://sunteklawncare.com/ If you are interested in starting a Suntek franchise, visit http://suntekfranchise.com/ Support this podcast by becoming a member at ideasforus.org/memberships Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

A panel discussion with the IDEAS executive team (Clayton, Ernest, Lee, and Caroline) on the coronavirus pandemic, how it has affected us, and how we are reacting to it as people and as part of the environmental movement. This episode is comprised of the audio portion of a Facebook Live video stream from April 8, 2020. IDEAS For Us is conducting a series of online events throughout this month, Earth Month. You can connect with Fleet Farming for Remote Garden Education by visiting fleetfarming.org and submitting a virtual consultation request. Support this podcast by becoming a member at ideasforus.org/memberships Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Lee Perry (Former Chief Operations Officer of IDEAS For Us and present Vice President of the Board) sits down with Jeannie Economos of the Farmworker Association of Florida to discuss the complex issue of our industrial agriculture system. The state of Florida is home to thousands of farmworkers, for the most part from Central and South America. These workers earn little to no pay and have been exposed to deadly toxins in the form of pesticides. Jeannie serves the needs of farmworkers in the Lake Apopka region of Central Florida. She is an avid and vocal activist for the rights of farmworkers in Florida and across the nation. Listen to this podcast to learn more about those most impacted by the scale and demand of our industrial agricultural system. We must work to advocate for these people's lives and shift our food production to a more sustainable model, like that of our program Fleet Farming. How you can help: Donate to the Farmworker Association of Florida Donate to the Lake Apopka Farmworkers Historical Mural Project Volunteer or attend a Toxic Tour - Call (407) 886-5151 or email info@FloridaFarmworkers.org Call your Representative in support of H.R.6631 - Ban Nerve Agents In Our Food Act of 2018 and H.R.3668 - Asuncion Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatality Prevention Act of 2019 Sign the Heat Stress Protections Petition Support this podcast by becoming a member at ideasforus.org/memberships Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

Valerie Anderson is the President and Founder of Friends of Split Oak Forest, a non-profit dedicated to protecting this wildlife area in Central Florida.   In December of 2019, the Osceola County Commission voted to approve a highway expansion cutting right through the middle of Split Oak Forest.  Now,  Valerie is doing everything in her power to stop this development and save the lives of thousands of plant and animal species that would otherwise be killed in the process.  Additionally, this park is a bastion for hikers, runners, bird-watchers, and other nature enthusiasts.  Contact Florida Governor Ron DeSantis: www.flgov.com/email-the-governor Contact the Osceola County Commissioners: www.osceola.org/about-osceola-county/bcc/commissioners www.osceola.org/about-osceola-county/bcc/contact-information.stml   Learn more about Friends of Split Oak Forest:  friendsofsplitoak.org facebook.com/FriendsofSplitOak instagram.com/splitoakforest Check out the Split Oak documentary short by Vince Marcucci: vimeo.com/376877020   Support this podcast by becoming a member at ideasforus.org/memberships Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

In this podcast, we sit down with three Jacobs employees—Dan Kirby, principal and client services leader; Amber Salcedo, mechanical designer; and Madeline Almodovar, environmental scientist—to discuss why diversity and sustainability are so important moving into the 21st century. They touch on workplace sustainability practices, and ways that large companies can embrace environmentalism in their immediate scope.  Support this podcast by becoming a member at ideasforus.org/memberships Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

In this episode, we talk with Adam Scheinberg, vice president of IT with Massey Services Inc., about how global technology companies—think Facebook, Google, Microsoft—can reduce their carbon footprint in data processing. Also, we discuss responsible water management and lawn irrigation, as well as the philosophy behind pest prevention versus conventional exterminator methods. Plus: Scheinberg’s predictions on what sustainability in Florida will look like as it approaches its 2030 goals of 40% renewable energy and his personal connection to the environmental movement. Support this podcast by becoming a member at ideasforus.org/memberships Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

IDEAS For Us Chief Operations Officer Lee Perry sits down with Sierra Club organizer Raquel Fernandez, leader of the Beyond Coal campaign working to secure a 100% renewable energy future for Orlando and Central Florida.  The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) is holding public forums in the lead-up to its Electric Integrated Resource Plan (EIRP) unveiling later this year. These forums are a way for groups like IDEAS and Sierra Club to organize our community and let OUC know that Orlando wants clean and renewable energy. Read more about this story over on our blog page Follow Sierra Club's Central Florida work on Facebook and Instagram Support this podcast by becoming a member at ideasforus.org/memberships Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

IDEAS For Us Executive Director Clayton Louis Ferrara sits down with Alexa Stone,  President and Founder of ecoPreserve, a company that helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint through programs like LEED Certification. Their discussion also includes how sustainability has changed and what it might look like in the future, how Orlando fits into the network of smart cities, and more.    Support this podcast by becoming a member at ideasforus.org/memberships Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast

The Official IDEAS For Us Podcast dives deep into sustainability innovation, exploring the green frontier of tech, business, and design to advance environmental action. Learn about how next=-level IDEAS are changing the world. The future is in our hands. Support this podcast by becoming a member at ideasforus.org/memberships Follow IDEAS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Email us at contact@ideasforus.org Subscribe and find more episodes at ideasforus.org/podcast