Care More Be Better: A Podcast For Sustainable Social Impact and Regeneration

This episode of Care More Be Better is intentionally different.

Rather than analysis or debate, host Corinna Bellizzi shares the direct audio of comedian and actor Matt Braunger reading a letter written by his cousin — a father, neighbor, and resident of the Twin Cities — who felt compelled to document what daily life has become like amid intensified federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis–St. Paul.

The letter is not a political essay. It’s a witness account — grounded in everyday details like children’s activities, neighborhood text threads, and community members stepping into unexpected roles of care and resistance. Through this deeply human lens, the episode explores how large political forces manifest quietly inside ordinary life.

After the audio, Corinna reflects on what it means to bear witness without panic, how media fragmentation and algorithm-driven news shape public understanding, and why democracy depends not only on elections, but on relationships, mutual care, and informed attention.

Listeners are invited to reflect on their own communities, examine where they get their information, and consider small but meaningful ways to stay engaged, connected, and informed — before fear becomes routine.

In This Episode:



A full, uninterrupted reading of a first-person letter from Minneapolis



Reflections on ordinary life, community resilience, and civic responsibility



A discussion on media literacy, confirmation bias, and staying informed beyond headlines



Practical suggestions for thoughtful engagement without overwhelm

Resources Mentioned:



Letter from Minneapolis - read by Matt Braunger on TikTok



High Country News: https://www.hcn.org/



PBS Newshour: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/



PBS Newshour Podcasts: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/podcasts



Ground News (eliminate your news bias): https://ground.news/

Content Note:

This episode includes descriptions of fear, surveillance, immigration enforcement, and strong

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Water is often our biggest household use, and yet around 60% of that goes to waste and is never put to good use. Dr. Kelly Kopp, a nationally recognized expert in urban water conservation, joins Corinna Bellizzi to discuss the key findings from her recent irrigation waste report and what must be done to solve our seemingly endless water waste. She explores the essential role of plants in creating drought-resilient communities, the use of smart technology to cut down water use, and the importance of doing routine irrigation evaluation. This conversation is indeed an eye-opener on how to save water, one of the most essential yet highly neglected resources of this planet.

COMPLETE BLOG & TRANSCRIPT: https://caremorebebetter.com/solving-the-worlds-water-conservation-problems-with-dr-kelly-kopp/
About Guest:

Dr. Kelly Kopp is a Professor of Plants, Soils & Climate and Director of the Center for Water Efficient Landscaping at Utah State University. A nationally recognized expert in urban water conservation, turfgrass science, and homeowner irrigation behavior, Dr. Kopp has led the Water Check Program and Utah Growing Water Smart initiatives, which have helped thousands of Utah residents reduce outdoor water use. She is a frequent media voice on sustainable landscaping and drought resilience across the Intermountain West.

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-kopp-2b57108/

Guest Website: https://greenspacescoalition.org/

Additional Resources Mentioned:

From Air To Aqua: Decentralized Water Solutions For A Thirsty Planet With Brian Sheng: https://caremorebebetter.com/from-air-to-aqua-decentralized-water-solutions-for-a-thirsty-planet-with-brian-sheng

Show Notes: Raw audio

02:34 - Dr. Kopp’s Key Findings About Irrigation Waste
09:49 - Making The Most Out Of Our Landscapes

14:49 - The Amazing Technology Of Smart Irrigation Controllers

17:59 - The Key Role Of Plants In Landscape Design

25:55 - Community Outreach In One Of The Fastest-Growing States

34:06 - Dr. Kopp’s Programs For Thousands Of Households In Utah

42:30 - Achieving Regeneration Through Water Stewardship

47:36 - Role Of Homeowners In Building More Drought-Resilient Communities

53:16 - Importance Of Raising Awareness On Water Conservation

56:35 - Episode Wrap-up And Closing Words

BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER
Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you!

NEW CAUSE PARTNER FOR 2025-2026 SELECTED!

If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/

Follow us on social media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Your house may be the most comfortable place in the entire world for you, but it could still be hiding several health hazards that must be promptly addressed. Corinna Bellizzi discusses what it takes to create healthful living spaces with Paul Kealey, founder and president of EkoBuilt. As head of North America’s most advanced sustainable homebuilding company, he exposes why modern building codes are actually failing our health, from poor indoor air quality to serious mold growth. Paul also presents how a passive house offers a good alternative by perfectly marrying cost-effectiveness and a healthy environment. Find out how simple changes can turn your home from a space that could kill you slowly to a place of health and comfort.

COMPLETE BLOG & TRANSCRIPT: https://caremorebebetter.com/what-it-takes-to-achieve-healthful-living-with-paul-kealey/

About Guest:

Paul Kealey has spent nearly twenty years redefining what home truly means. As the Founder and President of EkoBuilt, he leads one of North America’s most advanced sustainable homebuilding companies and the Architect of the ‘House is Medicine’ system. Paul’s work proves that homes can do more than save energy, they can actively protect and enhance human health. Through EkoBuilt, he designs and constructs Net-Zero Passive Houses that are affordable, resilient, and life-rewarding. His mission challenges the conventional building industry by showing that most homes don’t just waste energy, they compromise health.

Paul’s mission is clear: to make homes that heal. He has built his career around proving that healthy homes are the most powerful medicine we take every day - lowering energy bills, reducing stress, preventing mold and illness, and protecting the planet. From families seeking nurturing environments to developers building sustainable communities, Paul brings science-backed insight, practical strategies, and an unwavering belief that the home is humanity’s most overlooked medicine.

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kealey-17614529/

Guest Website: https://ekobuilt.com/

Guest Social: 

https://www.instagram.com/ekobuiltpassivehouse/

https://www.facebook.com/EkoBuilt/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ekobuiltpassivehouse

https://www.youtube.com/@EkoBuiltPassiveHomes

Show Notes:

01:43 - Early Signs Of An Unhealthy Home

12:07 - The Danger Of Building Homes Fast And Cheap

17:49 - How To Build A Cost-Effective Healthy Home

35:02 - Moving From Furnaces To Heat Pumps

41:26 - Preparing Financially To Build A Healthy Home

44:57 - What’s Next For Paul And EkoBuilt

47:39 - Practical Tips And Valuable Advice For Home Building

51:00 - Episode Wrap-up And Closing Words

BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER

Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you!

NEW CAUSE PARTNER FOR 2025-2026 SELECTED!

If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/

Follow us on social media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Environmental justice and social justice are inseparable – when people take advantage of earth’s resources for their greedy purposes, disadvantaged communities suffer even more. Environmental creative and activist Leah Thomas coined the term “intersectional environmentalism” to define her mission to protect both people and planet from destruction. She joins Corinna Bellizzi to shed light on the unfortunate climate realities across cultures and communities that must be taken care of as soon as possible. Leah puts into the spotlight the environmental injustices happening in marginalized areas and why supporting local organizations is key in finally addressing them. Find out how genuine actions, even from the grassroots, can give birth to a more equitable future and a more inspired climate movement.

COMPLETE BLOG & TRANSCRIPT: https://caremorebebetter.com/rewilding-intersectional-environmentalism-and-rising-voices-with-leah-thomas/

About Guest:

Leah is a celebrated environmentalist based in Los Angeles, CA. Coining the term ‘eco-communicator’ to describe her style of environmental activism, Leah uses her passion for writing and creativity to explore and advocate for the critical yet often overlooked relationship between social justice and environmentalism. Leah founded and launched the non-profit Intersectional Environmentalist, a platform and resource hub that aims to advocate for environmental justice, provide educational resources surrounding intersectional environmentalism, and promote inclusivity and accessibility within environmental education and movements in 2020 - which has since become a leading resource for diverse and accessible climate education.

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahpthomas/

Guest Website: https://www.leahthomas.com/

Guest Social: https://www.instagram.com/greengirlleah/

Additional Resources Mentioned:

BOOK - The Intersectional Environmentalist by Leah Thomas: https://amzn.to/4oM4jxo

PODCAST - As She Rises hosted by Leah Thomas: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-she-rises/id1585244876

Show Notes: Raw audio

01:45 - Why Environmental Issues And Social Justice Are Inseparable [02:14]
05:13 - How Leah Experienced Awakening On Environmental Justice [05:37]

08:37 - Writing The Book The Intersectional Environmentalist [08:57]

12:23 - Biggest Challenges In Advocating For Intersectionality [12:41]

20:00 - How Writing Her Book Changed Leah’s Perspectives On Intersectionality [19:58]

25:31 - Understanding Rewilding As An Ecological, Personal, And Cultural Restoration [25:26]

28:29 - What’s In Store For The Newest Season Of As She Rises [28:24]

31:16 - Supporting And Strengthening Local Environmental Organizations [30:58]

34:09 - How Craft And Sustainability Go Hand-In-Hand [33:46]

35:54 - Educating People About Climate Through Music Festivals [35:26]

38:13 - Do Not Forget To Take Care Of Yourself [37:43]

40:03 - Episode Wrap-up And Closing Words [38:47]

BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER

Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you!

NEW CAUSE PARTNER FOR 2025-2026 SELECTED!

If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/

Follow us on social media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cities are often built as uncomfortable concrete jungles completely disconnected from nature, and most of them rapidly deplete in just a few years. Our urban areas do not have to be designed this way, and they can be completely transformed through regenerative architecture. Corinna Bellizzi sits down with Kevin Kennon, CEO of Beyond Zero, who shares how his zero-carbon luxury eco-resorts help heal humanity’s relationship with nature while providing sustainable living systems for everyone. He explains how reconciling high-end development with ecological stewardship can give birth to sustainable cities with a circular economy and cultural continuity. Kevin also explores the role of architects in shaping forth a new era of sustainable design and the right way to use AI tools in making this dream a reality.

COMPLETE BLOG & TRANSCRIPT:
https://caremorebebetter.com/designing-for-humanity-regenerative-architecture-in-the-age-of-ai-with-kevin-kennon/
About Guest: Kevin Kennon is an internationally acclaimed architect with over 40 years of experience driving innovation in sustainable and human-centered design. As founder and CEO of Beyond Zero DDC Inc., he pioneers zero-carbon luxury eco-resorts that blend architectural excellence with environmental responsibility. His journey includes leading landmark projects such as Barclays North American Headquarters, the Rodin Museum in Seoul, and multiple award-winning Bloomingdale’s stores. A finalist in the World Trade Center design competition, Kevin has consistently pushed boundaries in adaptive reuse, urban planning, and large-scale development. With over 40 international design awards and works featured in MoMA’s permanent collection, he continues to shape the future of architecture through thought leadership, expert consultation, and lectures at Yale and Columbia.

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkennonarchitect/
Guest Website: https://www.kdcaia.com/and https://bz-ddc.com
Guest Social: https://www.instagram.com/pkk2418

Show Notes: 
02:12 - Working At The Intersection Of Innovation, Sustainability, And Human Experience
05:32 - How Beyond Zero Is Going Beyond Net Zero
12:05 - How AI Can Help Elevate Regenerative Architecture
24:52 - Reconciling High-End Development With Ecological Stewardship
29:40 - Metrics To Monitor To Ensure Regenerative Architecture Works
32:26 - Insights About Adaptive Reuse And Cultural Continuity
49:07 - How Architects Can Leverage Climate Paradox In Urban Designing
53:48 - How Climate Change Is Affecting Architectural Design
58:49 - How Architects Can Succeed In The New Era Of Sustainable Design
01:05:52 - How Kevin Designed Ground Zero’s Temporary Viewing Platform
01:13:13 - Episode Wrap-up And Closing Words

BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER
Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you!
NEW CAUSE PARTNER FOR 2025-2026 SELECTED!

If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/

Follow us on social media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.