Regen360: Creating a Green Legacy

Community is an essential foundation for sustainability and equity. I believe the spirit of change starts inside, and then in our homes, and then radiates outwards to our neighbors and shared community, expanding out to the Earth where we share the air, water, soil and precious life sustaining resources.   I'm thrilled to interview Majora Carter on her brand new book called Reclaiming Community: You Don't have to move out of your neighborhood to live in a better one. Majora is a true inspiration and source of hope for us as we regroup to address systematic inequality. She is the Executive Director of Sustainable South Bronx, a MacArthur Fellow and winner of the prestigious Peabody Award. We met when Majora served on the Board of the U.S. Green Building Council. I first heard her speak at GreenBuild and was deeply moved by her incredible passion, vision and guidance for sustainable communities.   This interview with Majora is important to me on many levels, including that my parents grew up in the Bronx, about three miles from where Majora was born, and the community that is the main case study for her vital book. In our conversation, we discuss how to regenerate our communities, especially those where success typically meant leaving home to seek greener pastures. Majora shows us that this practice isn't necessary and can be reversed.  We discuss: The shame and regret when Majora felt she had to leave the Bronx to be more successful. The importance of creating the infrastructure to help residents aspire for beauty and wealth: economically, emotionally and spiritually. That gentrification isn't always “success” and that we don't need to escape. We talk about a higher passion, spirit that calls us and inspires us to create our own ministries. I have felt this calling deeply for decades since I first began to work in green building in 1991, and later helped found the green building council movement. The importance of mentors. Community isn't just a place, it's an activity. Majora's Community Development Retention Model, adapted from leading corporations.  Majora's Equation: Idea to Reality = Discipline + Hard Work + Time + [Love]

This episode of Regen360 features the greenbiz warrior and strategic thought leader Joel Makower. Joel was one of the first green business journalists, starting four decades ago, and up through this day, he's continually pushing us to break through paradigms that degrade and invent those that flourish. He is the Chairman and Co-founder of GreenBiz Group, lead author of the annual “State of Green Business” report, and The New Grand Strategy: Restoring America's Prosperity, Security and Sustainability in the 21st Century. The interview is inspiring and can help show us a path forward in 2022. We talk about: ESG growing pains as we define concrete standards, and emerge out of the “Wild West.” As Joel says: “It's all about scale, scope and speed of change.” “Who's in the tent?” Are there good and bad green businesses, or is it about getting all to be part of the conversation? Is it about making more money, or managing risk?  We need Elon Musks in every industry, “willing to jump off the cliff, bring others along, and create something the world really needs by orders of magnitude.” Joel quotes Steven Covey, that “change happens at the speed of trust.” How do we accelerate trust: in our own visions, inventions, stakeholders, investors, the public and governments?

Our interview featuring Amory Lovins, the foremost energy efficiency guru in the world [IMHO]. Amory invented the concept of “negawatt” - meaning a watt of energy saved through efficiency replaces a watt of generated energy, but without the huge negative environmental impact, and a higher return on investment. Amory talks to David about why the human brain can't easily comprehend the benefits of designing without (i.e. efficiency instead of mechanical systems), COP26 achievements, the latest and coolest climate technologies Amory is seeing, and why Amory has dedicated more than four decades of service to helping us not only wake up, but actually survive; something Amory calls “applied hope.”

David's interview with Ashok Gupta, a Senior Energy Economist at NRDC for Climate and Clean Energy who served on New York City's Sustainable Energy Policy Task Force under Michael Bloomberg. Ashok's work has been highly recognized including the ACEEE lifetime achievement award. In our informal free flowing conversation, Ashok and I touch upon the importance of the building envelope, integrating renewable energy, and reflections on the COP26 Glasgow Summit.

David is joined by Paul Hawken, one of the world's foremost natural capitalism and sustainability gurus on his new book Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation.

David is joined by Dr. Alan Christianson, a NY Times best-selling author of several books including his new book The Metabolism Reset Diet. He is a Phoenix based Naturopathic physician, father of 2 kids, and a lover of research and natural health. Join the conversation as they discuss the inner workings of the liver and the daily changes we can make to improve metabolism.

Join David Gottfried as he kicks off the new year talking about new goals and a new vision for 2019. Be inspired as David encourages you to write down some thoughts and goals that you would like accomplish in the new year.

David sits down to talk with Paul Thomas M.D., a triple board-certified Dr. in Pediatrics, Integrative & Holistic Medicine and Addiction. David and Dr. Paul discuss his new book, Addiction Spectrum. Join the conversation as they discuss the addiction issues facing our world today and what we can do to help heal broken lives.

David sits down with Danny Iny, an educator, entrepreneur, author and the founder and CEO of Mirasee. Join the conversation as David and Danny discuss his new book "Leveraged Learning" and the big disruptions that are happening with higher education. Danny brings fascinating insights to the alternatives that exist for achieving true learning that best serve the student.

David sits down with Terri Wills, the CEO of the World Green Building Council. Terri was named as one of 10 women leading the global push towards climate action, gender equality and social justice for all. Join the conversation as they discuss the impact that The World Green Building Council is making in the places we live, work, play, heal and learn.

David sits down to talk with Erin Meezan, The Chief Sustainability Officer, at Interface, a revolutionary carpet and flooring company that offers products that promote sustainability and wellness. Join the conversation as David and Erin discuss founder Ray Anderson and the legacy that he has left in the world today.

David is joined by Dr. Lisa Mosconi, the Associate Director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medical College/New York-Presbyterian Hospital and author of the upcoming book Brain Food: The Surprising Science of Eating for Cognitive Power. Get in on the conversation as David and Dr. Lisa discuss how what we eat can ​affect the brain and changes we can make to improve our lives.

David sits down to talk with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained and published neuroanatomist and creator of the not-for-profit organization Jill Bolte Taylor BRAINS. Join the conversation as David and Dr. Jill discuss her experience with a severe hemorrhage in the left hemisphere of her brain back in 1996 and what she has done over the course of many years to rebuild the function of her brain.

David is joined by Dr. Jessica Zitter, a national advocate for transforming the way people die in America and author of the newly released Extreme Measures: Finding a Better Path to the End of Life. Enjoy the conversation as David and Dr. Jessica discuss procedures and tips to change the way we treat the dying.

David sits down to talk with one of the green building and real estate industry’s foremost thinkers and strategists, Bill Browning. Bill is the Founder of Terrapin, a trusted consultant working to address the critical needs for a sustainable future. Join the conversation as David and Bill discuss the impact Terrapin is making in the world today.

David kicks off the new year with a personal message about the role of his father in his life. He goes over 10 bits of wisdom he has learned from his father and provides insight into his upbringing. Join the conversation and take some time to reflect on the direction of your life and any improvements you could make.

David talks with Rachel Gutter, the Chief Product Officer for the International WELL Building Institute and founder of the Center for Green Schools at USGBC. Get in on the conversation as David and Rachel discuss the history of WELL and the good it is doing the world today.

David is joined by Dr. Frank Lipman, a pioneer in functional and integrative medicine and the founder and director of the Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in New York City. He is also the author of many New York Times-bestselling books. Get in on the conversation as David and Dr. Lipman discuss functional medicine and how our daily habits affect our health.

David sits down to talk with Joel Cesare,co-founder of StokeShare, an easy-to-use sharing marketplace for the outdoor community that allows individuals to share outdoor sports gear and works to bring opportunities to the less fortunate. Join the conversation as David and Joel discuss the big vision for StokeShare and the impact it's having in communities around the nation.

David meets up with New York Times Best Selling Author, of Shut Up And Run and Vice President of Fitness Programming and Head Instructor at Peloton Cycle, Robin Arzon. Join the conversation as David and Robin dig deep into what motivates Robin and the impact she is making in peoples lives today.

David is joined by Dr. Sara Gottfried, scholar, seeker, yoga teacher, Harvard-trained MD and New York Times bestselling author. Listen in as David and Dr. Sara talk about the importance of daily rituals and what you can do to get back on track when you "fall off the wagon" in life.

David sits down to talk with Beth Rattner, Executive Director for the Biomimicry Institute. Listen in as David and Beth discuss how biomimetic design in products, cities, and agriculture can bring about a new level of resilience to our economy and ecosystem.

David sits down to talk with Todd White, a self-described biohacker and head of Dry Farm Wines. Dry Farm Wines curates wines from small family farms all over the world that are committed to producing pure natural wines. Join the conversation as David and Todd discuss the wine industry today and why Dry Farm is setting a new standard in the industry.

David talks with Alvaro Sanchez, the Environmental Equity Director at The Greenlining Institute. The Greenlining Institute works to envision a nation where communities of color thrive and race is never a barrier to economic opportunity. Join the conversation as David and Alvaro discuss the work and strategies that are being implemented today to impact our communities and our world for the better.

David is joined by Jason Harris, the president and CEO of Mekanism, an award-winning global creative agency that specializes in innovative marketing campaigns. David and Jason discuss the campaign It's On Us that was created to bring awareness to sexual assaults occurring on college campuses around the nation.

David sits down to talk with Carter Rubin, a Mobility & Climate Advocate for NRDC. Carter works to create transportation options that reduce carbon emissions and support equitable access for all. Rubin previously served for five years in the Los Angeles mayor’s office working on transportation policy and performance management. Join the conversation as David and Carter discuss the changes that are taking place with our nations infrastructure today.

David sits down to talk with Dr. Mark Hyman, a practicing family physician, a ten-time #1 New York Times bestselling author, and an internationally recognized leader, speaker, educator, and advocate in the field of functional medicine. Join the conversation as David and Mark discuss the big issues facing our health and wellness in the world today.

David sits down to talk with one of the renowned founders of BNIM, Bob Berkebile. Join the conversation as David and Bob discuss the way that BNIM works to deliver beautiful, integrated, living environments that inspire change and enhance the human condition.

David sits down to talk with Jeff Bland, an internationally recognized leader in the nutritional medicine field and the Founder and President of the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute. David and Jeff discuss functional medicine and how this approach works in treating and preventing chronic disease.

David is joined by MC Yogi, a world renowned performing artist and author of the new book Spiritual Graffiti. Join the conversation as David and MC Yogi discuss his beginnings from living in a group home for at-risk youth to becoming one of the most well known and beloved yogis in America.  

David talks with Vince Sicilliano, The President and CEO, New Resource Bank. New Resource Bank is a bank for businesses and organizations that are working to build a better world. Join the conversation as David and Vince talk about New Resource's efforts to fund environmental protection, health & wellness, education & community empowerment, and sustainable commerce.

David is joined by Mahesh Ramanujam, CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI). Listen in as David and Mahesh discuss the things that Mahesh is passionate about; driving consensus, innovative business strategies, and authentic thought-leadership through a challenging and ever-changing sustainability-focused marketplace.

David is joined by Sander Paul van Tongeren, the Managing Director of GRESB. GRESB is a company that is engaged in assessing the sustainability performance of real asset sector portfolios and assets in public, private and direct sectors worldwide. Listen in on the conversation as David and Sander Paul discuss GRESB's mission in the world.

David sits down to talk with Joel Makower, the CEO of GreenBiz Group Inc., an organization that provides intelligent content on business, technology and sustainability for people from every industry to help them align environmental responsibility with profitable business practices. Join the conversation as David and Joel discuss the inner workings of GreenBiz Group and the impact they are making on businesses today.

David is joined by Amory Lovins, an American physicist, environmental scientist, writer, and Chairman/Chief Scientist of the Rocky Mountain Institute. Join the conversation as David and Amory discuss the work RMI is doing to create a clean, prosperous, and secure low-carbon future.

David talks with Lewis Perkins, the President of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. Cradle to Cradle is a non-profit organization that works to educate and empower manufacturers of consumer products to become a positive force for society and the environment. Join the conversation as David and Lewis discuss the inner workings of Cradle to Cradle and the impact it's making on our society.

David is joined by Harley Dubois, the founding member of Black Rock City LLC, otherwise known as Burning Man. Harley has over 25 years of project management, art and city planning experience with an extensive background in the visual and performing arts. Listen in as David and Harley discuss the principles driving the Burning Man movement and how you can work to unlock your own creativity.

David sits down to chat with Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for The Planet, an organization that seeks out businesses to commit to giving one percent of their total sales each year to nonprofit partners. Kate brings brings a deep passion and commitment to the power of collective action. Join the conversation as David and Kate discuss the impact that 1% for The Planet is making in the world.​

David is joined by John Mandyck, the Chief Sustainability Officer for United Technologies Corporation (UTC). A global leader in the aerospace, food refrigeration and commercial building industries. John is also the co-author of Food Foolish, a book that explores the connection between food waste, hunger and climate change. Listen in as David and John discuss the strides that UTC is making in sustainability in the world today.

David sits down with Ben Greenfield, voted #1 Personal Trainer in the Nation in 2008. A prominent expert voice in the burgeoning triathlon industry and known as "The Brain" of triathlon, he holds a Master's degree in exercise science and biomechanics. Join the conversation as David and Ben discuss his daily regimens for a healthy lifestyle.

David greets you today on the 4th of July with a special message about your own personal Declaration of Independence and invites you to reflect on your personal goals and the direction you are taking with your life.

David talks with Pedram Shojai, an Oriental Medical Doctor, documentary filmmaker and New York Times best selling author of the book The Urban Monk. Join the conversation as​ David and Pedram discuss chapters from The Urban Monk and the small, impactful changes we can make in our live's to better achieve a balance and happiness.

David is joined by Mark Manary, Founder and CEO of Project Peanut Butter (PBB). Project Peanut Butter is a non-profit organization that seeks to advance the treatment of severe malnutrition, the single largest cause of child death in the world today, using effective, locally produced ready-to-use therapeutic foods. Listen in on the conversation as David and Mark discuss the impact that PBB is having on communities around the world and how you can help contribute to a wonderful organization.

David is joined by Jason Pearson, President & CEO of the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council and the developer of the Economy Map, a visual that illustrates how economic demand connects to environmental impacts across the entire US economy. Listen as David and Jason discuss the details of the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council and it's impact in the world.

David is joined by Dr. Izabella Wentz, a renowned pharmacist and New York Times Best Selling Author of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause and Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back. Get in on the conversation as David and Izabella discuss her journey to health and what we as individuals can do to make sure we are diagnosed correctly.

David sits down to talk with Rob Bernard, the chief environmental strategist for Microsoft. Rob is responsible for defining and implementing the global strategy for Microsoft's environmental efforts. Under his leadership, Microsoft has established a carbon neutral goal and the first-of-its-kind internal carbon fee. Join the conversation as David and Rob discuss how Microsoft is changing the game on the way they impact the environment.

David sits down to talk with Rob Bennett, the founding CEO of EcoDistricts. Rob is a recognized leader in the sustainable cities movement with nearly 20 years of experience shaping municipal sustainable development projects. Join the conversation as David and Rob discuss EcoDistricts and the impact it has on the world today.

David sits down to talk with Dr. Daniel Amen, Founder and CEO of Amen Clinics and author of 60 professional articles and over 30 books including the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Daniel Plan. Join the conversation as David and Dr. Daniel discuss the functions of the brain and what we can do ​to ​boost our brains functionality and health​.​

David is joined by Dr. Srini Pillay, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of the new book Tinker, Dabble, Doodle, Try: Unlock the Power of an Unfocused Mind. Get in on the conversation as David and Dr. Srini discuss the new book and how you can harness your mind’s innate tendency to wander, stall, rest, and unfocus and become more productive.

David sits down to talk with Kevin Gianni, author of 7 books on natural health, diet, and fitness, and the producer of over 900 YouTube videos with over 10 million views. Kevin has also traveled around the world searching for the best foods, medicines and clinics to introduce them to his audience. Join the conversation as David and Kevin discuss the book Kale and Coffee and Kevin's journey to health.

Today David is joined by Dr. Terry Wahls, clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and author of The Wahls Protocol. A fascinating book that outlines a radical new way to treat all chronic autoimmune conditions using Paleo principles. Join the conversation as David and Terry dive deep into some of the steps that allowed Terry to reverse many of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.