CarbonSessions

• Conversation on Spiritual Wisdom of Trees with Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy

  In this episode of CarbonSessions, we welcome Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy—educators, spiritual leaders, and nature advocates—who co-authored Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees, a deeply reflective guide to reconnecting with the natural world. Rooted in ecology, theology, and lived experience, their book invites us to see trees not just as beautiful beings, but as teachers, companions, and mirrors of our own spiritual lives. Through stories, reflections, and accessible practices, Beth and Leah offer a path back to wonder, attention, and a renewed sense of belonging within the living world.🌳 In this episode, we explore:Childhood memories that sparked lifelong reverence for treesHow trees model resilience, community, and mutual careThe meaning of stewardship Simple, powerful practices to connect with nature—even in busy livesLessons trees offer us about grief, healing, and wholenessHow to reawaken wonder and attention in a distracted worldThe power of collaborative authorship and collective wisdomA vision of a future shaped by interconnection, not extractionThis is a soulful conversation at the intersection of ecology, spirituality, and action—reminding us that learning from trees can guide us toward more grounded, generous, and hopeful lives.To connect with:Beth Norcross: https://www.bethnorcross.com/Leah Rampy: https://www.leahmoranrampy.com/The Center for Spirituality in Nature: https://www.centerforspiritualityinnature.org/----- For more information on the project and to order your copy of the Carbon Almanac (one of Amazon best-selling books of the year!), visit thecarbonalmanac.org Want to join in the conversation? Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives. Don’t Take Our Word For It, Look It Up! ----- Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Leekei Tang, Brian Tormey, Olabanji Stephen, Jenn Swanson, and Kristina Horning Leekei is a fashion business business coach, an international development expert, and podcaster from Paris, France. Brian is a Real Estate Title Insurance Professional and Goat Farmer in the US. Olabanji is from Lagos Nigeria. He’s a Creative Director and visual designer that helps brands gain clarity, deliver meaningful experiences and build tribes through Design & Strategy. He founded Jorney - a community designed to help people stay productive, accountable, and do their best work.From Langley in British Columbia, Canada, Jenn is a Minister, Coach, Writer, and community Connector, helping people help themselves. Kristina is currently in Prague (that it is where she is originally from) and her base is US.----- The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Steve Heatherington, and Rob Slater.

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• Beyond Zero: Transforming Business Through Storytelling and Sustainability with Nathan Havey

  In this thought-provoking episode of Carbon Sessions, we have the privilege of hosting Nathan Havey, filmmaker and passionate advocate for sustainable business practices. Nathan takes us behind the scenes of his visionary documentary "Beyond Zero," which chronicles Interface's revolutionary journey towards sustainability under the visionary leadership of Ray Anderson.This wide-ranging conversation delves deep into the transformative power of storytelling in the business world, exploring how narrative can inspire change in ways that facts and figures alone cannot. Nathan shares his unique insights on the challenges and triumphs of creating and distributing documentaries that showcase positive business stories, offering a fresh perspective on how we view corporate sustainability efforts.The discussion expands beyond filmmaking to explore the evolving concept of stakeholder capitalism, with Nathan breaking down its five key elements and how they can reshape our approach to business. From learning from nature's regenerative designs to addressing systemic discrimination, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how companies can drive positive change while maintaining profitability.Whether you're a seasoned business leader, a sustainability professional, or simply someone interested in how companies can make a meaningful difference in the world, this episode provides valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiring examples of how businesses can lead the charge towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Join us for a conversation that challenges conventional thinking and offers a roadmap for positive change in the corporate world.To find out more about Beyond Zero, visit https://beyondzerofilm.com/To request Beyond Zero on Netflix, ask https://help.netflix.com/en/titlerequest----- Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Leekei Tang and Brian Tormey.Leekei is a fashion business founder, a business coach, an international development expert, and podcaster from Paris, France. Brian is a Real Estate Title Insurance Professional and Goat Farmer in the US. ----- For more information on the project and to order your copy of the Carbon Almanac (one of Amazon best-selling books of the year!), visit thecarbonalmanac.org Want to join in the conversation? Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives. Don’t Take Our Word For It, Look It Up! ----- The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Steve Heatherington and Rob Slater.

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  1:08:48
• From Dublin Beaches to Global Classrooms: The Story Behind Picker Pals by Patrick Jackson

  Episode Summary: In this episode of CarbonSessions, we chat with Patrick Jackson, the creative mind behind “Picker Pals,” an innovative environmental program for children. Patrick shares his journey from creating educational materials to becoming an environmental advocate. Patrick discusses the Picker Pals initiative, which engages children in litter-picking activities through a compelling mix of storytelling, practical activities, and classroom tools. With Picker Pals now active in 70% of primary schools in Ireland and expanding globally, Patrick emphasizes the importance of empowering children and communities to take action against environmental degradation. Listen to this episode to learn about: The origins and impact of Patrick’s eye-catching “cloak of debris” How Picker Pals integrates environmental education with hands-on activities The challenges and successes in spreading the Picker Pals program across different countries Patrick’s creative approach to engaging children in environmental stewardship through storytelling and interactive learning Expanding Picker Pals to schools and communities worldwide Insights into Patrick's creative process and future plans for the program Connect with Patrick: Picker Pals Website Picker Pals on Instagram Patrick Jackson on LinkedIn Watch Patrick in Action ----- Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Leekei Tang, Jenn Swanson, Tania Marien, Kristina Horning and Barbara Orsi. Leekei is a fashion business founder, a business coach, an international development expert, and podcaster from Paris, France. From Langley in British Columbia, Canada, Jenn is a Minister, Coach, Writer, and community Connector, helping people help themselves. From Riverside, California, Tania is an independent environmental education professional and hosts and produces The Talaterra Podcast. Kristina has a background in architecture and engineering. Currently in Prague (that it is where she is originally from) and her base is US. Based in Milan, Italy, Barbara is a mom and marketing executive who has been actively involved in building a better and brighter future for our planet since November 2021. She has contributed to the Carbon Almanac and serves as the Italian coordinator for the Carbon Almanac Network. During fall 2023, she co-founded Generation Carbon Italy, the Italian spin-off of the Carbon Almanac Network ----- For more information on the project and to order your copy of the Carbon Almanac (one of Amazon best-selling books of the year!), visit thecarbonalmanac.org Want to join in the conversation? Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives. Don’t Take Our...

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• A Conversation with Leah Rampy and Reconnecting Earth and Soul amid Climate Chaos

  Episode Summary: today we are joined by Leah Rampy to discuss her book Earth and Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos, a project rooted in her lifelong connection to the living world. Leah shares how her book draws from her extensive experience in understanding climate change, biodiversity loss, and leading retreats and pilgrimages that invite deeper ecological connections. Leah shares her journey from corporate roles to advocating for environmental stewardship through initiatives like "Save Our Soil," while addressing the dangers of "othering" and promoting a kin-centric view of nature, leading with the heart, and embracing the grief and joy of climate change. Highlights include: The inspiration and journey behind Leah’s book Earth and Soul. The grassroots movement “Save Our Soil” and its focus on local regenerative farming and habitat creation. Leah’s transition from a corporate career to environmental and spiritual work. The principles of somatic leadership and how they can apply to environmental advocacy. Balancing grief and joy in the face of climate change and the importance of ritual and community in navigating these emotions. The concept of kin-centric ecology and the practice of reweaving our relationships with the natural world. The value of local pilgrimages and connecting deeply with the nearby environment. About Leah Rampy: Leah is the author of Earth and Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos. Leah is a writer, retreat leader, and educator who blends ecology and spirituality through personal stories and practices to help others deepen their relationship with the natural world. With a Ph.D. in curriculum from Indiana University, Leah currently lives with her husband in a co-housing community in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. To connect with Leah, visit https://www.leahmoranrampy.com/. ----- Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Leekei Tang, Brian Tormey, and Jenn Swanson. Leekei is a fashion business founder, a business coach, an international development expert, and podcaster from Paris, France. Brian is a Real Estate Title Insurance Professional and Goat Farmer in the US. From Langley in British Columbia, Canada, Jenn is a Minister, Coach, Writer, and community Connector, helping people help themselves. ----- For more information on the project and to order your copy of the Carbon Almanac (one of Amazon best-selling books of the year!), visit thecarbonalmanac.org Want to join in the conversation? Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives. Don’t Take Our Word For It, Look It Up! ----- The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Steve Heatherington and Rob Slater.

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  1:04:35
• [FOCUS] Why Plastic Recycling Is Misleading (from previous episode The Octopus’ Gardens)

  Episode Summary: This episode is focused on a discussion about the problem of plastic recycling. It is selected from episode 13 (The Octopus’ Gardens) Like many of us, Tonya, Kristy, and Katherine thought that cleaning plastic containers and putting them in the recycling bin would help mitigate the negative impact created by the use of plastic. It’s only after they’ve been working on the Almanac that they realised that they got it all wrong! While recycling plastic is an important habit, its impact is tiny compared to the magnitude of plastic pollution created at all stages of the plastic lifecycle. This focus is selected from episode 13 (The Octopus’ Gardens) where Tonya, Kristy, and Katherine discussed the marine environment and plastic pollution and how humans are creating problems for them. They talk about projects that are trying to solve these problems and how personal responsibility is just a part of this.To listen to the full episode of Octopus’ Gardens go hereFor more information on the project and to pre-order your copy of the Carbon Almanac, visit thecarbonalmanac.org Want to join in the conversation?Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives.Don’t Take Our Word For It, Look It Up!You can find out more on page 78, 79 and 162 of the Carbon Almanac and on the website you can tap the footnotes link and type in 027, 346 and 256 Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Tonya Downing, Kristy Sharrow, and Katherine Palmer.Tonya is from Durham in North Carolina, she is involved in Personality-driven digital marketing for small businesses in the US. Kristy is a journalist turned marketer and Katherine is an Aromatherapist and Workshop Coordinator.---The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Steve Heatherington and Rob Slater.

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