The 2033 Podcast

"That's cute that you care,"  “Just wait until you're a bit older, then you'll see how the world actually works.” “Don't you think you're being a bit unrealistic?” Everyone who's dared to hope that change is possible have met people who throw wet blankets over fresh ideas. And often that's enough to kill hope when its struggling to survive. So what can we do about it?  In this episode Tim and Abbie discuss not only how to keep hope or a dream alive, but why, honestly, we don't have a choice. Also tune in to hear epic role play between Tim the Boomer and Abbie the Get Z activist and listen up for the segment AI labeled as "Academic Humility in Action." 

Shall we take a trip to the Museum of Almost Realities? April Soetarman makes art that lets us see the multitude of choices (or sometimes lack of choices), in our own lives and the world around us. Based in Queens, New York, April uses public facing art, interactive creative pieces, board games, and more to get people to pause and think about their agency in different ways. We discuss how to find the hope and motivation to create art in this upside-world. How do you balance marketing with creation? How do you catch someone's attention? And how do you care for yourself when you're just so tired. Plus - tune in to hear Tim bring in his pal Patti, and to hear Abbie make a bold proposal of friendship. Follow April here:Shop: shop.weirdsideprojects.com(the shop reopens for May 5-30th, 2025) @AprilSoetarman on Instagram and Bluesky @WeirdSideProjects on InstagramWebsite: AprilSoetarman.comSign up for playtests and private updates for Working Artist Board Game, a board game about being a working artist under capitalism: https://bit.ly/waboardgame

The courts won't save us now.. So what do we do now? Trump's second term mission is to overwhelm the judicial system in order to do what he wants - including the recent detention of Mahmoud Khalil - so much so that knowing how to even start resisting can feel impossible. Connor Thompson offers some ideas. As a lawyer from the famed Civil Rights battleground of Little Rock, Arkansas, Connor offers invaluable support to protesters on the ground in support of Black lives and the arbitrary detention of migrants. We discuss other roles that play essential parts in organizing, like the ability to host and provide meals and community, as well as how to use one's societal privilege when engaging in civil disobedience. If you're feeling hopeless and powerless to do anything right now, this is a great episode for you. Plus, tune in to hear Abbie swooning over Connor's extensive vocabulary and Tim fighting tooth and nail against interruptions. 

Climate change can feel like the hardest thing to have hope in right now. But who better to discuss than someone who is literally getting her PhD on hope! Meet Anna-Zoë Herr, a Berlin-based researcher who studies the role of hope in ecological crises and survival.  She also works with the Berlin-based NGO Talking Hope, focusing on research and designing communication and engagement strategies. Now you see what we mean - she's the perfect person to talk to!!In this episode, we discuss what hope can look like even in a world that tilts a direction we don't want (increasingly autocratic governments, a world heated above scientist's point of no return, etc) by imagining what can be done even with those realities. Zoë pulls from scientific studies, theory, and real life examples that show the greatest antidote to hopelessness is to find something, even little, in which to hope. Also tune in to hear Timmy considering a future as a "cool German girl" and Abbie contemplating marriage dynamics in rural Iceland. TW: Violence against animals. 

We're back to kickoff our new theme: how to find Hope! And who better to join us today than the brilliant Nada Hamida??Nada, a Dallas based architectural designer, didn't dare to hope for a return to her native Syria… until December 2024. In this episode, we talk about how Nada uses architecture to inspire hope. Nada designs buildings carefully, understanding how each element will affect how people feel within the space, whether they study, meet, read, perform research, or a myriad of other activities for university students.  Personally, Nada talks about how for the first time, she can imagine returning to Syria to help rebuild her country. As she explains, hope can come from the fact that nothing lasts forever - if someone like Bashar Al-Assad's regime could fall, any kind of change is possible.

We're 5 years into our 2033 Project, and a lot has changed… maybe even the name of the 2033 Project!Join us as we reflect on how the show, and we, have changed over the years and fluctuated our expectations in work, politics, personal lives, and more. We set our new theme for the year, “how to find hope in a future that may not exist” in a time where the practice of hope can honestly seem futile. Also, stay tuned to hear Tim discussing (riveting) town elevations and how Abbie is finally excepted by the Tween community…20 years too late.

It's not just because we host a podcast, but recently we can't stop thinking about the concept of "voice." Who has a voice to tell their own stories, and how do you get people to listen? How do you find your own voice -- and how to help ensure everyone gets a chance to be heard.That's why we're so excited to have Chi Cannon on this episode. Chi  believes prisoners' voices are an essential part of the conversation. Chi comes from a family in Richmond, VA, in which 9 out of 10 children were incarcerated at some point. As an adult, Chi is passionate about giving voice to those who don't often get heard. She works as a producer for the podcast "Uncuffed" - going into prisons so that incarcerated people can tell their own stories. In this episode, we hear all about Chi's work -  in prisons, behind the camera, and so much more.  Plus, tune in to hear Tarzan and Makvala explore frog anatomy. 

And weeeee're back with part 2 with Tenzin!We continue our conversation with Tenzin, starting from when he decided to leave nursing,  sparking a series of changes that involves sword-fighting in the woods, dropping out of grad school and even...chandeliers.In this episode, we break apart the idea that one has to have a single career, and explore what it could mean to develop an entirely new expertise every decade. Plus, Abbie wonders if she'll ever be as wise as Oprah, and Timmy takes a visit to a town Abbie would rather not see.If you haven't already listened to part 1, be sure to do that first and then come on back to this one - 

We know we're not the only ones in the middle of a career pivot. Who better to chat with us on the subject than Tenzin? We've each known great and maybe not so-great influences on our life when we were kids. In Tenzin's case, it was a guidance counselor who discouraged him from becoming an artist, ultimately leading him to be a nurse working in the ICU during the worst of COVID. What happens next?? You'll have to listen to find out. In this two-part series, we explore how it's totally ok - and ultimately freeing, to jump ship and try out new careers. Plus, Abbie considers a life in outer space, and Tim comes out as an American black bear.We love Tenzin, and we know you will too!

Can we save democracy in the United States? What if we focus on the local and bring people together to engage online in meaningful ways? Well, Johnathan thinks it's possible, and that's why he started MyBalbo.Many of us want to  stay politically active, but our reach seems limited - how do we go one step further to use technology & have conversations across divides and become substantively connected to affecting policy that affects us. Meet Johnathan Celestin, founder of MyBalbo, an app that provides real community around American politics and offers users a chance to talk about the hard issues, engage with their representatives, and find ways to make a difference. In this episode, hear Johnathan's journey of how he started MyBalbo with his siblings, how he navigates the systemic hurdles to starting a company as a person of color, what it's like running a company with family members, and how he is already helping Americans can engage meaningfully with politics. Also listen to hear nice compliments from Johnathan's mom and Abigail & Tim audition to become ASMR influencers.MyBalbo.ComFollow here: @MyBalbo 

Where do you imagine yourself in 4 years - owner of an arts space, an astrobiologist, or a ghost suspiciously similar to the ghost from Hamlet that forever haunts the world after being assassinated by an alien spacecraft? Tune in this week for a special episode that features 2033 Podcast host Abigail as she explores her own inevitable career pivot. When you've had a specific dream your whole life, and suddenly it needs to change - what then? Join us as we bushwhack through the existential thicket as we explore  what it's like knowing that a change is needed in one's career but unsure of the next steps to go. Ft. an improvised musical number about Abigail being assassinated by aliens as she enjoys her breakfast. 

What if you are doesn't fall neatly into any box? Part of what makes Timon an incredible person and therapist is he holds so many aspects of his identity that society too often does not see as going together, namely being queer and Christian. Timon walks through his process of going through social work school to become a Marriage and Family Therapist, his unorthodox journey to getting there that provides him unique relationships and, perspective, and what he hopes to accomplish in helping others navigate their own dialectical tensions and identities that on the surface might seem at odds. This is a great episode for anyone interested in mental health. Plus, Tim wonders if anyone enjoys his version of small talk and Abbie lobbies for a new bread-themed nickname. 

Did you know a youth orchestra could change the future of an entire city? Daniela certainly could tell you a thing or two about that. She's no stranger to the idea that  younger generations face a hard fact: our careers will generally not be as linear as those of our parents and grandparents. How do we still shoot for success and allow for change? In this episode, hear Danielle Ocampo Sánchez's fascinating story on her ever-evolving definition of success, finally reuniting her passion for music by helping manage Amadeus, an organization that gives young people access to music education in her hometown of Medellin, Colombia and beyond. Plus, Abigail evaluates Tim's abilities to transition between subjects, and Tim provides us with a unique serenade. If you'd like to learn more about Amadeus, please follow along at amadeus.org.co OR find them on instagram @amadeusfund. 

With all the bad news in our inboxes, in our feeds, and in our lives, is there really any reason still to have hope that positive change can happen? During our second Generation gathering, an amazing array of inspiring guests sat down to discuss this very question. Hear a wide range of practical ways these individuals have found ways to give back to their communities, rediscover dreams, create political change they wish to see, and find personal ways to light up their days. The answer? Find hope in the little things, however you can. Also tune in to hear Tim realizing his elevator career pitch may need some tweaking and  to Abigail slowly morphing into Gollum.If you are interested in joining our next 2033 Generation, or want to join our newest NYC program - the 2033 Lyceum, please email us at 2033podcast@gmail.com. If you're interested in being a guest on our show, let us know. And finally, please visit 2033podcast.com for more information about the show and upcoming events. 

Dean is a fighter - in all senses of the word.  He fights Muay Thai, he fights MMA and, he fights FOR victims of Agent Orange in Vietnam. On a solo trip, Dean learned about Agent Orange, a chemical herbicide used by US troops in the Vietnam War that has caused millions of cases of illnesses, including birth defects, over multiple generations. Upon meeting Agent Orange victims, Dean was inspired to found An Phuc International, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting these victims. On today's episode, Dean candidly discusses the successes and challenging moments in his journey, encouraged by connections on the ground in Vietnam but often discouraged by fundraising and nonprofit management. This episode exemplifies our podcast's mission: honesty about the struggle of change-making while maintaining hope to keep moving forward. Also hear about Abigail's international hat-collecting , and Tim's amazingly smooth transitions. 

When you think about the current climate crisis, do you feel like curling up in utter despair? You're not alone. That's why we were so excited to sit down with Rivka Schafer, a Gen Z climate activist with a message of hope and action that's grounded in so much practicality.  Rivka is a queer, gender non-conforming Orthodox Jew who is passionate about art, nature, and activism. As a climate activist with the Jewish Youth Climate Movement and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, Rivka definitely inspired us, and we know you'll walk away from this episode with renewed energy for climate activism (see what we did there?). Plus, learn the correct pronunciation of "Abbie," and hear both Abbie & Tim be bullied for how old they are. 

We are excited to share our first live recording featuring 9 members of the 2033 community - recorded at our Generation retreat. We all know what it's like when a good idea of ours gets squashed by someone else - usually someone older and with more influence. After continual frustration, how do we - as young people - fight against the very real feeling of being jaded. Gathered around a small couch in Vermont, hear change-makers talk about how - whether in the arts, education, or sciences - Millennials and Gen Z can still continue to move forward by making what can be a radical choice: to hope. Show notes: If you hear us references Jai's talk, he led a workshop about privacy and technology. The books we reference are The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell & Be Water My Friend by Shannon Emery Lee Keasler. The writer we forget is Walt Whitman, and the full sentence we are trying to remember is: Jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one. Participants: Vance Lovett, Elena Cothalis, Jai Kumar, Ashley Melgar, Charlie Malcolm, Miranda Aisling, El Chen, and your hosts - Abigail & Tim Steckler. 

Are you the sort of person who mentions museums in your dating profile, or have you avoided these institutions at all cost? Mariah has worked in museums her whole career, studying where objects and art originate (and yes - a lot are stolen) and figuring out how to make museums more representative of their communities. We try to make the case why museums -- if curated right -- are more important now, than ever. Our discussion starts in museums and then extends to everything from homelessness accounting and interfaith work. Plus, we freak out about touching dinosaur bones, and Abigail wonders if Tim can go an entire episode without mentioning Pedagogy of the Oppressed. 

Can art actually change someone's life? On today's episode, artist and social worker El Chen sits down with Tim & Abigail to discuss her unique journey in pursuit of meaningful creative endeavors - an adventure that has taken her from China to the United States, behind prison bars, and even within police ranks. Central to El's approach is embracing progress and imperfection - speaking in drafts instead of polished, sanitized statements. How can you be authentic in a world that demands tangible results for intangible growth? 

How much can you tell about a person once you look at their genes? What information can you find, and what problems can you prevent? And furthermore - what happens once we start tinkering with someone's genetic makeup? In this episode, Elena Cothalis walks us through her role as a Genetic Counselor: the rewarding moments, the challenging moments, and the times that offer real opportunity for how we can improve human help. Our conversation sheds light on all that is both controversial and exciting about a relatively new category of science, and how one woman navigates this career field.  Plus, Abigail reveals the truth about birds and Tim confronts the fearsome dinosaur repdigit. 

If you want to be secure in your viewpoint and opinions as a leader, making an effort to fully accept opposing perspectives may seem counterintuitive. But that's exactly what Taha Vahanvaty proposes. A recent high school graduate, Taha founded the Acceptance Project in his Pennsylvania hometown in an effort to support civil dialogue about divisive issues, and strength the community as a result. Now, Taha joins us from his gap year in India, where he is embarking on a spiritual journey to better understand his place in the world. Tune in to this episode to hear our discussion about starting an organization when so many other people are doing similar things, navigating difficult conversations, and encouraging people to be facilitators. Plus, Abigail reaffirms her stance on Team Moth, and Tim learns the meaning of the word "henchman."

Is it possible for an individual, often thousands of miles away, to make a difference in a conflict? How do we start conversations, as Americans, about how to look within ourselves and in our structures to understand and advocate for change beyond our borders? These are questions that Sarah Sturm wrestles with every day as she works to reconcile peacemakers in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict… starting in the United States, a country with more impact than any other in the area. In this episode, Tim and Abigail learn about the Telos Group, which strengthens communities by facilitating discussions between disparate groups, developing peacemaking approaches, and creating opportunities for dialogue and transformation. Through her training at the Harvard School of Divinity, Sarah approaches her work through a religious lens, an essential perspective that brings insight in sometimes unexpected places. Tune in to hear our discussion about finding motivation in apparently hopeless situations, using theology to strengthen instead of divide, and how each individual can actually make a difference in concrete ways. Plus, Abigail wonders if she has a proclivity for violence and Tim finds a kindred Paulo Freire fan. 

When we get to the moon again in a few years, who will be up there, and when can we start to build cities in space? Also, which laws will prevent us from having a Columbus 2.0: OuterSpace Edition? These and many other questions will be answered in our conversation with William Whittenbury, an Associate Mechanical Engineer who has worked on spaceships with NASA and other companies.  We explore how even a rocket scientist can follow a familiar Millennial path into a job field and the questions that keep him motivated. William explains the Artemis program to land on the moon again, the ethics behind the future of space travel, and what motivates a young engineer in this field to stay motivated. Plus, Tim & Abigail try to remember the words to "September." Enjoy!

It's no secret that plenty of American students fall through the cracks in the system. How can we create a foundation of trust and respect in our schools? Is there a more effective way to approach discipline? In our complicated, often lonely world of social media, how can students better connect with each other and with teachers? These are the questions we discuss on this week's episode with Nate Stauffer, educator and storyteller. Tim & Abbie agree -- we all wish we could have had a teacher like Nate, who is actively working to improve education, even if it's baby steps one day at a time.

We constantly see headlines of one proposed education reform after another, but what do students actually think about what they need? In our second episode in partnership with The Door in New York City, listen to Moon and Raquel speak about what their idea of good schooling looks like - all  based on their personal experiences. They also discuss how they view technology, both as a time-wasting distraction but also as a change-making tool if harnessed in the right way. Plus, Abigail questions the enigma of her existence as an editor, so plenty of revelations all around. This episode is for anyone wanting to explore real, actionable ways for young people to rebuild the education system. 

What does it actually mean to speak out? How can Gen Z  shape activism to be more inclusive and intersectional? Hear our first out of two episodes with members of the Youth Council of The Door, a New-York based organization that empowers young people to reach their potential. In this episode, Fadwa Yousef, Tiara Tillery and Mickey Zheng  give their perspective on what it means to be at the crossroads of multiple identities. We talk about  the buying and selling of truth, how to take first steps as an activist, evaluating the risks of activism, and how to question the very spaces  that we want to impact. Check out what these very inspiring young people have to say!

What's it like to be a highly creative, talented artist operating in the "real" world where you still have to make ends meet?  Charlie Malcolm is exactly that: a multi-hyphenate creative working in the entertainment industry, currently developing an incredible original musical (seriously, go listen to his demos on his instagram page!) In this interview, we discuss how, in  creative fields, you have to climb multiple ladders at the same time to see which one will take you where you want to go. How do you balance paying rent with following your dreams? With so many projects going on at the same time, your full-time job can feel like just one of many side hustles.  no matter your field, this is a highly relatable discussion. Plus, tune in to hear Abigail almost stop the interview when Charlie disses Les Mis, the drama is real.

Ok yes we all agree, we need to improve our education system, but how do we actually approach institutions with clear, achievable plans for change? Well, thank goodness Paul Moch Islas is here with some fresh ideas for a better future. In our interview we discuss Camino21, an organization Paul co-founded based in Mexico. Camino 21 works to equip students in higher education with the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century, especially in our Covid-infiltrated world, by addressing how teachers teach. As his work extends beyond Mexico, he hopes to change the way the over one million university faculty members working across Latin America approach education. We chat about how being flexible, learning how to adapt and pivot, is essential not only for institutions, but also for individuals. It's a challenge, but if we take it one step at a time, we can walk this camino together. From Singing in the Rain to Slumdog Millionaire, we cover all the bases in this discussion. Check it out!

What does "Stay at Home" mean if you don't have a home? Being homeless is hard enough, but add a global pandemic and the emergency couldn't be more dire. Thank goodness Eliane Lakam is on the task. Listen in to our conversation with Eliane all about her work to combat homelessness in the United States, and the surprisingly simple ways we can all get involved. When a problem seems insurmountable, sometimes you just need to take it one step at a time.

Dear 2021... if you continue to be anything like your first few days, it's going to be an interesting year! Hear Abbie and Tim look back on our past year of interviewing young speakers doing world-changing work and then discuss how we can all best move forward from here.  How do you progress when the answers aren't clear and inspiration isn't flowing? Today we explore our struggle of embracing the very point of our podcast - process - and how you can be involved in shaping our project. Also, tune in to hear Abbie's ongoing existential crisis and Tim leaving us with an... interesting(?) parting gift!

Yes, goals are important, but how can we shift our focus to embracing process? Maybe some people (*ahem* Abbie)  find this more difficult than others. Listen to our conversation with Joey Phoenix (they/them) as they describe how they support their community using writing, digital outreach, and even faerie troupes. We delve into questions of identity, hope, and productivity. Plus, Abbie digresses into a tangent about cuneiform and Tim admits neither of us have any friends.

There's an election coming up. You might of heard of it? We've all been getting a lot of political news recently, but who are the individuals behind the stories? What is their process, why are they engaged in this work, and what do they worry about? Listen to Story Hinckley discuss her experience as a political reporter for the Christian Science Monitor, covering stories on the ground across the country. We talk about how a journalist strives for impartiality, how to handle what can seem like multiple truths, and the fundamental importance of politics.

As our world continues to get more uncertain, people like Carolina Lozada give us the steady hope we need. She works in Microfinance, a banking field that provides loans to low-income families and individuals. On this week's episode, Carolina discusses how Microfinance works and why it's essential in jumpstarting local economies. We talk about what it means to be a young person with fresh ideas in an established field like finance. Spoiler alert: young people have a lot to offer. Plus, hear all about how badly Abbie wants a dog and Tim wants a leather couch. 

Meet Mariam, an Iraqi student who at nineteen has already studied around the world and breaks barriers each place she goes. Hear how she finds hope wherever she is, whether it's through organizing a local Women's Day march in Bosnia, applying to schools despite discouragement, and confronting damaging stereotypes in witty ways. 

What if you want to pursue theater and politics at the same time? What do we do with the myriad of narratives that shape a fractured America? In this conversation, Jordan recounts how he has dealt with stories from across the US, whether in handling mail sent to President Obama and performing his own work based on interviews with every-day Americans. Jordan offers a take of what it means to follow the meandering road of an artistic career, and the rewards it can bring for bridging communities and cultures with empathy.

It's easy to say "Anyone can be an artist!" But what does it really mean to think creatively in a practical sense? Listen to Miranda Aisling delve into her story of opening up a community arts organization, her vision for enabling a more creative world, and how to impact communities using the arts beyond traditional systems.

Meet Tilly Krishna, a high school senior with a passion for bringing her community together to support essential causes. You know. Just your average world-saving hobby. Tilly advocates for students' mental health and rallies friends to stand for Black Lives. In this episode, we discuss how Tilly has organized her advocacy from creating an Anti-Racist calendar to writing speeches, and what it means to move forward despite setbacks. Thanks for inspiring us, Tilly!! 

We need stories that give us hope, courage and power in the face of global injustice. Where do those stories come from? Tune in to this week's episode to hear Azmera Hammouri-Davis talk about her recent work with her organization Break the Boxes, as well as how she practices the Brazilian martial arts practice Capoeira and performs spoken word poetry. We explore how this work can provide a spiritual grounding and unity with others in response to George Floyd's murder, issues in Palestine, and other global challenges. 

So, ok, we get it, you want to change the the world. But...Is it best to go at it alone or as part of a team? What does real, meaningful leadership mean in 2020 as you're trying to take an idea from theory to reality. This conversation with Antoine will leave you with new perspectives about the individual versus the collective and goal setting while maintaining flexibility. Plus, it turns out Tim has lost a gift from Antoine, and Abbie graces the radio waves with her singing not once, but twice. 

Creating a critically-acclaimed feature film is no easy feat. Come hear from experienced French filmmaker Jenna Suru about her path following a “screaming from the heart” to make meaningful stories on screen. We discuss how she formed her company, brought others on board with her vision, and her advice to other young creative individuals.  

Are people saying change isn't practical? Well, who exactly defines what's “practical?” Join our discussion of one person's path to running for local office, featuring how young people can reshape the agenda beyond what established power bases want, and how they can work together to create a better and fairer democracy. Plus - how precisely can you run a campaign during a pandemic?

Today, as in several other times throughout history, we as a global community face isolation and sacrifice with no clear end in sight. Today we discuss: how do we be the best versions of ourselves during this crisis, and how do we use this time as an opportunity to be much-needed changemakers?

It's one thing to come up with a great idea, but how do you take that spark and fan it into a fire of fruition? (Not a bad metaphor, huh?) Join Drew Edwards and Nathan Okiror as they reflect how they've worked together to build a functioning nonprofit - starting from reading “Non-Profits for Dummies” in Barnes and Noble to running a successful organization impacting kids' education in Uganda and several other countries. It hasn't all been easy - but their story shows all the good you can accomplish with hard work, dedication, and the right team. 

When we talk about improving accessibility for people with disabilities, how can it make all of our lives better? Join the conversation with Miso Kwak, a blind researcher and educator, to hear her thoughts, experience, and advice for us.

How does a young person stand in the face of oppression and create art that changes how people think? Join this conversation with Isleen Atallah, a Palestinian theatre activist, as she discusses her work, her inspiration, and her aspirations in the process of building an equitable Palestine.

In our first episode Abbie & Tim discuss how a midnight conversation in a medieval Swiss town turned into a podcast. The show will feature inspiring young leaders in the middle of their process, and explore how we have the potential to create great change in our societies.