Compassiviste Dialogues

What Wings4Heroes.org Is Doing to Help Veterans Rise Again With Dignity and Joy with Lyubim Kogan

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.
This conversation explores the remarkable journey of Lyubim Kogan, a five-time first-generation immigrant, Winter Olympian, and founder of WingsForHeroes.org. Lyubim shares his experiences of resilience, cultural integration, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, emphasizing the importance of heart in decision-making and the lessons learned from both failure and success. The discussion also highlights the significance of compassion and shared experiences in overcoming life's challenges. In this conversation, the speakers explore themes of generosity, fulfillment, and the social contract we hold with those who protect us. 
They discuss personal experiences of wealth and dissatisfaction, the inspiration drawn from adversity, and the importance of collective action in supporting veterans through initiatives like Wings for Heroes. The dialogue emphasizes the need for compassion in action, confronting societal hypocrisy, and the responsibility of individuals to contribute to meaningful change.
ABOUT GUEST:
Winter Olympian. 9/11 WTC survivor. NYU Stern graduate. Bestselling author and co-author with Steve Forbes. Former Wall Street trader turned humanitarian. Vanished for 10 years to rebuild what war had torn apart. Now leading Wings4Heroes.org — helping amputee veterans rediscover purpose through flight and camaraderie. I am inspired by Henry Dunant and Mother Cabrini.
With hard work, dedication, and careful planning, all clients of Kogan Financial avoided losses in the 2008-2009 financial crisis.
KEY NOTES:
How Lyubim’s childhood in the Soviet Union taught him resilience and purposeWhat real success costs, and why true wealth begins with serving othersWhy founding Wings for Heroes was a moral imperative, not a choiceCompassion is not a feeling, it’s what you do when no one’s watching.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro  04:04 - How Lyubim’s Childhood shaped him?  11:08 - What Should Drive You - Talent or Will?  19:00 - The Relentless Discipline Behind Every Spotlight Moment  29:03 - Why True Wealth Starts When You Stop Selling Your Soul  37:20 - The Empty Fridge of Success  43:18 - The Universe Doesn’t Block You—It Re-Routes You  46:03 - Resilience Wasn’t a Choice  51:30 - The Currency of Compassion  58:16 - Why Lyubim Founded Wings4Heroes  01:13:25 - Change Starts With One  01:24:44 - How Can People Support Wings4Heroes  01:28:35 - Compassion Isn’t Just a Feeling — It’s Action  01:38:42 - If You Could Change the World  01:41:10 - Outro  
THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:
TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:
🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qt8cYHeIcDmDV8zPKNxMw🎧 Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/compassiviste-dialogues/id1735926709
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassiviste/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@compassivisteTwitter: https://twitter.com/compassivisteLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compassiviste/
Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

What No One Tells You About Foster Care with Dr. John De Garmo

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.
Today we’re joined by Dr. John DeGarmo, an international foster care expert, author, TEDx speaker, and the founder of the Foster Care Institute. With a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Dr. DeGarmo has dedicated his life to transforming the lives of vulnerable children in foster care. He’s the founder of the Foster Care Institute and Never Too Late, a residential home for foster boys.
 
This episode features John DeGarmo, a foster care expert, discussing the urgent need to protect vulnerable kids and the connection to human trafficking. He shares his personal journey into foster care and highlights the alarming number of missing persons. Learn about foster children and child exploitation in this important discussion.
 
ABOUT GUEST:
Dr John DeGarmo is the leading international foster care expert and consultant. He and his family have won multiple awards like the Good Morning America Ultimate Hero Award, Citizens of the Year, and that's just the beginning. Dr DeGarmo and his wife have been a foster parent to over 60 children over the years in their area. Tune in now to learn more about Dr DeGarmo and his work now!
KEY NOTES:
Lessons from raising 60 foster childrenParenting challenges with social mediaFaith and healing after church abuse scandalsWays to support foster care without fostering
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Episode Trailer02:09 - Intro04:02 - The Journey From Loss of Child to Foster Parent07:53 - Lessons From Having 60 Children in the Household09:50 - Is Mental Health the Real Emergency12:22 - What Happens to Foster Kids When They Age Out17:24 - How Do You Keep Going After 60 Foster Kids? (Compassion Fatigue)20:46 - Why America Won’t Face Its Trafficking Crisis24:21 - Parenting in the Age of Social Media30:11 - Is Faith Still a Guide in a World That Questions It?38:11 - What If You Can’t Foster, But Still Want to Help?40:10 - Navigating Faith After Church Abuse Scandals45:26 - If You Could Change the World48:20 - Wrestling, DJing & Foster Care51:40 - Outro
THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DrJohnDeGarmo/?ref=bookmarksTwitter https://www.twitter.com/drjohndegarmo?lang=enLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-degarmo-ed-d-international-expert-in-foster-care-2779975aWebsite: https://www.drjohndegarmofostercare.com/about.html
TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:
🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qt8cYHeIcDmDV8zPKNxMw🎧 Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/compassiviste-dialogues/id1735926709
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassiviste/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@compassivisteTwitter: https://twitter.com/compassivisteLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compassiviste/
Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

Undiagnosed ADHD: The Real Reason Behind Repeat Offenders? with Sarah Templeton

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.
I’m honored to welcome Sarah Templeton, a passionate advocate for ADHD awareness, author, and campaigner driving systemic change across education, mental health, and the criminal justice system. Sarah’s work sheds light on the often overlooked crisis of undiagnosed ADHD, especially within prisons, addiction centers, and homeless shelters, where some of society’s most vulnerable people fall through the cracks.
As the author of How Not to Murder Your ADHD Kid and a key voice within the UK government’s APPG for ADHD, Sarah fights for mandatory ADHD screenings in prisons and police stations to help break the cycle of unnecessary incarceration. In this episode, we delve into her journey, the urgent reforms required, and how early intervention can transform lives.
ABOUT GUEST:
Sarah Templeton is a passionate advocate for adolescents and adults with either unrecognised, and therefore undiagnosed, or late diagnosed ADHD. She has seen the catastrophic effects of the condition not being diagnosed early enough. Her decades volunteering and working with the homeless, serving & ex-offenders and addicts had flagged up the disproportionately high amounts of ADHD in these groups; who have such an easily treatable condition which had been allowed to destroy their lives.
Purely because nobody including teachers, CAMHS, GPs, probation, the police and prison services and charities working in the sectors haven’t spotted it.
KEY NOTES:
What is ADHD, and Why Is It Overlooked in Prisons?How Do Geography and Social Class Affect ADHD Diagnosis Behind Bars?Rethinking Responsibility in Systems That Profit from MisdiagnosisExploring the Link Between ADHD and CrimeIs Medication the Answer for ADHD?The True Cost of Ignoring ADHD: More Than Just Crime
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Episode trailer02:00 - Intro  03:32 - What is ADHD?  09:30 - Why Are We Ignoring ADHD in Prisons?  18:05 - Do Geography and Class Shape ADHD Diagnosis in Prisons  33:53 - Rethinking Responsibility in a System That Profits From Misdiagnosis  38:30 - Does ADHD Lead to Crime?  44:10 - Is ADHD Medication A Cure?  47:30 - What If ADHD Costs More Than Crime?  57:35 - How Do We Help Solve ADHD As A Community?  59:57 - Prevention Over Punishment  01:06:24 - Why Do Some People Leave Stability Behind?  01:15:39 - Is Education the Key?  01:20:05 - Compassion and ADHD: Changing Lives Early  01:30:24 - Outro  
THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:
Sarah's Website: https://sarahtempleton.org.uk/Sarah's Books: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sarah+Templeton&i=audible&ref=dp_byline_sr_audible_1
TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:
🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qt8cYHeIcDmDV8zPKNxMw🎧 Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/compassiviste-dialogues/id1735926709
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassiviste/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@compassivisteTwitter: https://twitter.com/compassivisteLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compassiviste/
Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

Surviving, Writing, Awakening: Susan M. Stevens and the Power of Story

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.
Today we’re joined by Susan M. Stevens, an award-winning novelist whose work bravely explores mental health, race, immigration, and gender identity through deeply human storytelling.
ABOUT GUEST:
After many years as a business writer, S.M. Stevens found the time to pen her first novel when a pelvis broken in 3 places absolved her from housework and chauffeuring the kids around for several months. The result was her middle-grade novel Shannon's Odyssey, written for adventurous animal-lovers.
A year later, while in treatment for cancer, she wrote the first of the Bit Players series to fill the void of fiction for music and theatre-loving teens. The YA series now has three books, and appeals to all teens not just drama-loving ones.
Her first adult novel (thankfully not prompted by another health crisis!) was Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, published in 2019. The story is a coming-of-age tale about two young women starting their careers in Boston while dealing with past and present demons. 
Her latest novel, Beautiful and Terrible Things, was released by Black Rose Writing in Summer 2024 and has won numerous awards, including Indies Today Best Literary Book of 2024. The same characters are featured in her award-winning novelette, The Wallace House of Pain (available on Amazon). 
KEY NOTES:
- From Business to Fiction: Can Writing Be a Path to Healing?- Is Charlie a Symbol of Personal and Social Awakening?- The Challenge of Writing Authentic Diversity in Fiction- Storytelling’s Role in Fostering Social Harmony- What Defines a Great Leader in Today’s World?
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Episode Trailer01:40 - Intro  03:31 - From Business to Fiction: Can Writing Heal?  10:45 - Is Charlie a Symbol of Awakening?  13:58 - How Does One Write Authentic Diversity?  16:44 - Writing Fiction That Echoes Future Headlines  21:40 - The Emotional Core of Friendship in Charlie’s Transformation  24:40 - The Creative Evolution from Beautiful and Terrible Things to Wallace House of Pain  27:40 - Can One Character Change How You Read a Whole Book?  29:23 - Why Write About Mental Health?  31:56 - When Writing is Activism, Not a Sales Strategy  41:47 - From Escapism to Activism in Fiction  49:47 - What Does Success Look Like?  52:38 - The Role of Storytelling in Social Harmony  59:52 - If You Had the Power: How Would You Unite the Collective?  01:06:59 - What Makes a Great Leader?  01:10:10 - Outro  
THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:
Beautiful and Terrible Things book: https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Terrible-Things-S-M-Stevens/dp/1685134475S.M. Stevens Website: https://authorsmstevens.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.m.stevens/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSMStevens
TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:
🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qt8cYHeIcDmDV8zPKNxMw🎧 Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/compassiviste-dialogues/id1735926709
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassiviste/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@compassivisteTwitter: https://twitter.com/compassivisteLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compassiviste/
Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

Can Writing Heal a Broken World? with Francis Hulbert-Powell

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues! I’m your host, Ali, and today we’re joined by Francis Hulbert-Powell a multidisciplinary artist, author, poet, and curator whose work spans cultures, genres, and generations.
In this episode, we explore how art can serve as healing, how surreal storytelling can reveal deeper truths, and why Francis believes in supporting grassroots action—like Road to Recovery, an Israeli–Palestinian initiative that helps transport wounded patients to receive life-saving care.
This conversation also supports our Indiegogo campaign for the upcoming anthology We All Live Under the Same Sky, raising funds for peace-building efforts and featuring voices from around the world.
ABOUT GUEST:
Born in England and now based in France, Francis has lived a life shaped by creativity, empathy, and activism. From teaching English in Austria to writing powerful prose and poetry, his journey is one of connection, between people, places, and perspectives.
 His published works include The Fish King, Two Wise Ghosts, and Together Behind Four Walls, a pandemic-era anthology created to raise funds for Marie Curie nurses.Keynotes:
How Art Becomes a Bridge in a Divided WorldWhat a Pandemic Taught Us About Collective HealingCan Storytelling Make Us More Human?Why Peace Demands More Than Hope—It Requires Action
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro04:50 - What Shapes an Artist’s Soul?07:16 - How Was Together Behind Four Walls Anthology Created?12:38 - Writing to Heal a Divided World?16:38 - Why Road to Recovery?18:58 - Is Resolution Possible in Today’s Divided World?21:09 - What Role Does Education Have in Healing?27:24 - Why Peace Is a Long Road, But Still Worth Walking31:50 - Did Teaching Spark Empathy and Inspired Art?39:17 - Emotional Realism in Fiction44:02 - The Purpose Behind We All Live Under the Same Sky49:03 - Indiegogo for Peace and Healing52:07 - If You Could Change the World58:47 - Outro
THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:
Franci's X: https://x.com/DreamheadzFranci's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francis_h_powell_writer/Franci's Website: https://francishpowellwriter.wordpress.com/
TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:
🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qt8cYH...🎧 Listen on Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook:   / 61555898333856  Instagram:   / compassiviste  Tiktok:   / compassiviste  Twitter:   / compassiviste  LinkedIN:   / compassiviste  
Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

How Collective Memory & Action Can Redefine Human Rights - Robert Kesten's Vision

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.
Today we’re joined by Robert Kesten, an international human rights advocate and executive director of the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, and Library in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Since 2022, Robert has been leading one of the most important LGBTQ+ history institutions in the world, preserving over 50 years of queer legacy and confronting growing anti-LGBTQ+ attacks across the U.S.
Robert’s global work includes contributing to Ghana’s constitution, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Ukraine, supporting human rights movements across the Arab world, and producing an award-winning Holocaust documentary.
In this powerful episode, Robert shares a visionary call to action rooted in collective memory, compassion, and human rights. If you've ever wondered how your voice, your story, or your presence can shape the future—we invite you to listen in.
ABOUT GUEST:
Robert Kesten, President/CEO, Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library. Mr. Kesten leads one of the world’s largest and most significant historical institutions of its kind; for 50+ years, Stonewall National Museum has fought tirelessly to preserve history and culture by fearlessly releasing powerful messages, hosting dynamic weekly events, launching a solutions-driven task force in Washington DC, creating dynamic national traveling exhibitions, mobilizing educators in its national education project, recognizing leaders and heroes, and providing an inexhaustible historic record of achievements, even in the face of prejudice and hate.  
Prior to Stonewall National Museum, Kesten’s human rights advocacy took many forms, including writing and producing an award winning documentary on the Holocaust at Concentration Camps in Poland, working on the Ghanaian Constitution, coordinating and producing events leading to Ukrainian independence, producing events for the first AIDS day treatment center in the nation, pushing for the decriminalization of homosexuality in Ukraine (the first Soviet Republic to do so), challenging book banning, LGBTQIA+ inclusion in schools and navigating anti-LGBTQ sentiments. Kesten also worked on the West Bank during the Intifada and was brought into Egypt and Tunisia during the Arab Spring to try and establish human rights cities. 
Robert Kesten often shares his expert perspective with national and local media, including Reuters, Associated Press, ABC Miami, Philadelphia Inquirer, Miami Herald OpEds (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), South Florida Sun Sentinel OpEds (1, 2, 3),  The Advocate, National Geographic, South Florida PBS, Global Peace Alliance, Washington Press, Herald-Tribune, CBNation ,CBSMiami and many more.
Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library houses millions of pages of records and materials drawing direct lines from our nation’s history to today.
KEY NOTES:LGBTQ+ People Have Always Been Part of HistoryWhy Is Love Still a Battleground?What Democracy Really Means (And What It Requires of Us)Leadership, Courage, and the Power of Everyday VoicesAre Human Rights Ever Truly Free?Why It’s Not Too Late to Reclaim Our Power
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Episode trailer02:18 - Intro02:24 - Robert’s Life Journey04:42 - Why Defend Human Rights Everywhere?09:17 - What Is Democracy? 14:24 - Do We All Lead, or Do We Follow the Ones Who Dare?23:09 - Are Human Rights Free?26:25 - Do We Still Have Power or Ist It a Lost Cause?36:18 - How To Keep The Hope Going?40:14 - Is Corporate Allyship Genuine, Or Just Good for Business?46:45 - Can a Museum Change You? Inside the Fight to Make History Matter53:45 - How Donuts and Conversation Fuel Historical Literacy and Collective Resilience57:59 - Why Do We Still Fight Love? 01:00:29 - LGBTQ+ People Have Always Existed01:09:30 - If You Could Change the World01:12:02 - Outro
THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:
Robert’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertkesten/Robert’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertkesten/Stonewall National Museum Website: https://stonewall-museum.org/
TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:
🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qt8cYHeIcDmDV8zPKNxMw🎧 Listen on Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/compassiviste-dialogues/id1735926709
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassiviste/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@compassivisteTwitter: https://twitter.com/compassivisteLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compassiviste/
Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

Not Good Enough? How Core Beliefs Fuel Anxiety w/Sabrina Trobak

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.
In this powerful interview, counselor and author Sabrina Trobak reveals how unconscious core beliefs like “not good enough” or “not valued” are passed down generationally—and how they create the foundation for lifelong anxiety. Learn about the holistic therapy model that changed Sabrina’s life and is helping thousands find peace, healing, and emotional freedom. If you're struggling with self-doubt, overthinking, or fear of rejection, this video will help you shift from survival to self-acceptance.
ABOUT GUEST:
Sabrina Trobak, a lifelong resident of Fort St. John, returned to her hometown in 2010 after completing her education. She holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and has received extensive training in family violence,  and resolving past trauma utilizing a holistic therapy approach focused on the core belief not good enough, not important. Additionally, Sabrina is a published author of various psychology-based papers, contributing to the field.
Prior to her counselling career, Sabrina earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education and dedicated over 20 years to the public school system. During her tenure, she taught across all educational divisions—elementary, junior high, and senior high—and served as a learning assistance teacher, vice principal, and school counsellor.
In 2023, Sabrina published her book, "Not Good Enough: Understanding Your Core Belief & Anxiety," which serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to enhance their mental health, particularly those who may not have access to counselling services.
Since founding Trobak Holistic Counselling in 2010, Sabrina has provided counselling services and has been a Clinical Supervisor since 2012, guiding both clients and fellow professionals in their journeys toward healing and personal growth.
KEY NOTES:
What core beliefs are and how they’re formedHow the belief “I’m not good enough” fuels anxietyWhy healing starts before you’re even bornSabrina’s holistic therapy model and how it’s transforming livesSteps to rewire your identity and finally feel worthy
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Intro03:31 – What Are Core Beliefs? How They Shape Anxiety, Identity & Self-Worth09:08 – Escaping the 'Not Good Enough' Core Belief: From Anxiety to Empowerment12:25 – The Holistic Therapy Model to Heal Core Beliefs & Reclaim Self-Worth17:18 – Why Success Without Emotional Healing Still Feels Empty23:45 – Addiction as a Symptom of Core Belief Trauma & Anxiety29:40 – Can Self-Compassion Heal Generational Core Beliefs & Anxiety?31:40 – How Cultural Conditioning Fuels Self-Sacrifice & Low Self-Worth34:18 – Rebuilding Healthy Core Beliefs for Confidence & Inner Peace40:07 – How Teachers Can Shape Student Self-Worth & Emotional Identity46:29 – Why Teacher-Student Relationships Impact Core Beliefs for Life48:50 – How Childhood Trauma & Early Experiences Create Core Beliefs54:25 – Navigating Emotional Pain Without Shame or Judgment58:04 – Sabrina Trobak's Proudest Moment in Holistic Counseling01:00:36 – Mindset Shifts That Transform Limiting Core Beliefs01:02:25 – Final Thoughts & Healing Through Core Belief Awareness
THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:
Trobak Holistic Counselling - https://www.trobakholistic.org/Not Good Enough: Understanding your Core Belief & Anxiety~ A Handbook - https://www.trobakholistic.org/general-1
TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:
🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qt8cYHeIcDmDV8zPKNxMw🎧 Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/compassiviste-dialogues/id1735926709
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassiviste/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@compassivisteTwitter: https://twitter.com/compassivisteLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compassiviste/
Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

Are Your Clothes Making You Sick? with Jeff Garner

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.
Today, I’m joined by Jeff Garner, an award-winning sustainable fashion designer and founder of Prophetik. Jeff’s mission is bold: expose the hidden toxins in everyday clothing and transform the fashion industry from the inside out.
ABOUT GUEST:
Jeffrey Brian "Jeff" Garner is an American fashion designer and film-maker known for his sustainable, plant-dyed red carpet gowns. His designs are sold online and in luxury boutiques across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and China. 
KEY NOTES:
What shaped Jeff’s vision and commitment to sustainable fashionHolding the fashion industry accountable: challenges and opportunitiesWhy accountability must come before formal regulation in fashionRethinking impact: innovative approaches to social change through filmmakingUniting beyond competition: collaborating to create meaningful industry transformation
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro Trailer02:13 - Intro07:09 - What shaped Jeff?  11:21 - Can fashion be held accountable?  19:16 - Accountability Before Regulation  22:34 - Where Does Change Begin in Fashion’s Tower of Power  30:00 - Rethinking Impact: A New Model for Social Change in Filmmaking  37:06 - Leading by Example: Creating Change from the Inside Out  42:17 - Beyond Competition: Uniting for Real Change  45:08 - Hidden Dangers of Clothing Items  50:46 - Igniting Global Change: What Would You Do First?  53:17 - Outro 
THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:
🌐 Jeff’s Site: https://prophetik.com📘 Smithsonian Artist Feature: https://americanart.si.edu/artist/jeff-garner-30176
TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:
🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qt8cYHeIcDmDV8zPKNxMw🎧 Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/compassiviste-dialogues/id1735926709
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassiviste/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@compassivisteTwitter: https://twitter.com/compassivisteLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compassiviste/
Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

The Truth About Political Division You’ve Never Heard w/Shannon Watson

The Truth About Political Division You’ve Never Heard w/Shannon Watson
Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.
Today I’m joined by Shannon Watson, founder and Executive Director of Majority in the Middle. With over 20 years of experience in bipartisan politics, Shannon challenges us to rethink how we engage with politics beyond partisan extremes.
ABOUT GUEST:
Shannon Watson is the Founder and Executive Director of Majority in the Middle.
Shannon has also worked in policy and public affairs roles for Casper Corcoran, Medical Alley Association, St. Paul Area Chamber, U.S. Bank, the Minnesota Senate, and the National Conference of State Legislatures. She has 20+ years of experience in electoral politics, advising candidates and working on campaigns on both sides of the aisle in Kansas, Colorado, and Minnesota. 
Shannon is a frequent op-ed writer and speaker, presenting on topics like "Why we're divided and what you can do about it" and "How to make your advocacy bipartisan (and why you should)." She was a member of the MYALP cohort in 2022 and a Humphrey Policy Fellow 2020-2021. In recognition of her work, Shannon has been named an #MNCivicLeader by the Citizens League and awarded a MinneInno 50 On Fire.
Shannon holds a bachelor's degree in English, Theatre, and Psychology from Wichita State University and a master's degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She lives in Minneapolis.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro  03:31 - What are politics at their core? 09:12 - Why are we choosing extremes? 16:00 - Privilege, Poverty, and Political Paralysis 21:02 - Does state power really matter? 25:38 - A hard look at freedom, choice, and power in the U.S. 30:15 - Does U.S. politics maintain power through controlled collapse 38:01 - Why local politics matters more than the Presidency 44:57 - How do people get involved in local politics? 47:02 - Did the recession fuel disinformation? 54:40 - Is political compromise necessary or a hindrance? 59:38 - What makes a good compromise? 01:07:03 - What role does trust play in compromise? 01:12:22 - How can people reach Shannon? 01:14:13 - If you had the power, what would you change? 01:17:49 - Outro 
THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:
Website: www.majoritymiddle.orgX: https://x.com/shannonkwatsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwatson
TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:
🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qt8cYHeIcDmDV8zPKNxMw🎧 Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/compassiviste-dialogues/id1735926709
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassiviste/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@compassivisteTwitter: https://twitter.com/compassivisteLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compassiviste/
Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟
The Truth About Political Division You’ve Never Heard with Shannon Watson 
In this episode, Shannon Watson discusses how money in politics can be used to create a  racial divide and perpetuate division. She also touches on the impact of campaign finance on human relationships. Watson emphasizes the difference between big P politics and little p politics.

Rethinking Returns: Building Impact-Driven Ventures with Romain Diaz

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.
Today, we’re joined by Romain Diaz — entrepreneur, venture builder, and founder of Satgana, which means “the good company” in Sanskrit.
With a deep commitment to impact, Romain builds and backs startups that address the climate crisis and promote regenerative futures. In this episode, we explore his evolution from chasing conventional success to leading with purpose, the story behind Satgana, and how we can reimagine capitalism, investment, and leadership to serve both people and the planet.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Romain Diaz is the Founder & CEO of Satgana, a Climate Tech Venture Capital firm investing in startups that tackle the climate crisis across Europe and Africa. With entrepreneurial experience and a global perspective, Romain brings a unique blend of business insight, empathy, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
KEY NOTES:
From Profit to Purpose: Romain’s journey into mission-driven entrepreneurshipBuilding for a Regenerative FutureWhy Individual Actions Matter in Systemic ChangeThe Tension Between Growth and SustainabilityCan Business Models Uplift Both People and the Planet?
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Intro Trailer01:18 – Welcome03:34 – Romain’s Shift from Earning to Living with Meaning13:14 – The Story Behind Satgana17:29 – Individual Action and Collective Change21:49 – Reconciling Growth and Sustainability in Business27:02 – Rethinking Capitalism for People and Planet36:43 – Burnout and Resilience in Impact Work41:18 – What It Means to Live with Purpose45:02 – Can a Mindset Shift Drive Climate Solutions?52:32 – The Role of Social Economies in the Future of Investment01:05:34 – Outro 
THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:
Satgana's Website: https://satgana.com/Satgana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/satgana/Satgana's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/satgana_/?hl=enSatgana's Twitter(X.com): https://x.com/satgana_Satgana's Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@satgana?lang=enSatgana's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/satgana/
TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:
🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qt8cYHeIcDmDV8zPKNxMw🎧 Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/compassiviste-dialogues/id1735926709
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassiviste/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@compassivisteTwitter: https://twitter.com/compassivisteLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compassiviste/
Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟