Join us as we talk as we hold a conversation with renowned farmer and activist Michael Ableman as he unearths the incredible potential of urban farming to heal our cities, our communities, and our souls. In this episode we explore how growing food in unexpected places can be a powerful act of resilience and regeneration. From feeding marginalized communities to reconnecting with the land, this is a conversation that will leave you rethinking the future of food and how you can be part of the solution.

In this episode, Michael Ableman shares his inspiring journey in urban agriculture, from the creation of Sole Food Street Farms to his lifelong dedication to sustainable farming practices. He discusses the powerful intersection of food, social justice, and community-building, offering practical insights into how urban farming can transform lives. Ableman also reflects on the broader impact of sustainable agriculture and the need for innovative approaches to feeding a rapidly urbanizing world. This conversation highlights the profound social, ecological, and mental health benefits of reconnecting with the land and growing food.

Michael Ableman is a renowned farmer, author, photographer, and one of the pioneers of the urban agriculture movement. With a career spanning over four decades, he has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable farming practices and advocating for food security, social justice, and environmental stewardship. Ableman co-founded Sole Food Street Farms, one of North America's largest urban agriculture initiatives, providing employment and purpose to marginalized communities in Vancouver. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including Street Farm, Fields of Plenty, and From the Good Earth, and his work has been featured in publications worldwide. Ableman continues to inspire through his commitment to sustainable agriculture and community healing.

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, Elders Action Network and Elders Climate Action, for their unwavering support in helping us bring these critical conversations to life. Your dedication to creating a better future for all generations makes this work possible, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership

Welcome to a special solo episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations. Today, we delve into a topic that strikes at the heart of aging with purpose—what does it mean to be a regenerative activist elder? In a world facing pressing challenges like climate change, social inequality, and environmental degradation, the wisdom of elders is more vital than ever. But this isn’t just about passing on knowledge; it’s about actively contributing to the regeneration of our planet and society. Together, we explore the path to becoming elders who lead with intention, resilience, and a commitment to healing the world for future generations. Join us as we rethink elderhood and embrace our roles as agents of change."

"In our 40th episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, the podcast team engages in a lively dialogue on what it means to become a regenerative activist elder. We examine the challenges and opportunities of elderhood in today’s world and share our personal journeys of transformation. From balancing savoring life and contributing to society, to exploring how elders can foster long-term regenerative change, this episode invites listeners to reconsider what it means to mature into elderhood. Through candid reflections, we uncover how elders can shape the future by embracing regenerative activism as a way of life."

• John Izzo is a bestselling author, speaker, and expert on leadership and social responsibility. With over four decades of experience, John has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations discover purpose and foster meaningful change. He is deeply committed to exploring the role of elders in creating a regenerative future.
• Alain Gauthier is an international facilitator, coach, consultant and author specializing in transformational leadership. With a passion for deep inquiry and systemic change, Alain’s work bridges inner development and outer societal impact, empowering leaders and elders to create regenerative practices that support community renewal and well-being.
• Jim Burke is the producer of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations and a regenerative activist elder. Jim’s career began in healthcare, where he worked as a healthcare provider and manager within the Veterans Affairs system for over 25 years. His extensive experience in leadership and service led him to focus on regeneration and community engagement, and environmental activism after retirement

We want to take a moment to thank our sponsors for their continued support in making The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations possible. A special thanks to Elders Action Network, and Elders for Climate Action for your dedication to creating a regenerative future and for enabling us to continue these critical conversations.

To our listeners, if you found today’s episode inspiring, please subscribe to our podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Your subscription helps us reach more people who are eager to join the movement for a regenerative future. Thank you for listening, and we look forward to having you with us for the next episode!"

In a world increasingly defined by its complexities, how do we ensure that future generations inherit a planet and society better than the one we found? Join us in this eye-opening episode where we sit down with Steve Higgs, the visionary Executive Director of SAGE (Senior Advocates for Generational Equity). Steve's profound insights into generational equity will challenge the way you think about your role in society, especially as an elder. Discover how every small action we take today can reverberate through time, creating a legacy of hope and sustainability. Whether you're a seasoned activist or just beginning your journey, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to make a meaningful impact.

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of generational equity. Steve discusses the vital role elders play in creating a better future for the next generations, highlighting how SAGE inspires people over fifty to give forward with their time, money, and voice. The conversation covers pressing issues such as climate change, education, and economic challenges, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational collaboration. Steve also shares his personal journey and how a single walk behind a waterfall sparked his lifelong commitment to environmental sustainability and advocacy. This episode is a call to action for elders to engage in meaningful work that ensures a thriving world for those who follow.

Steve Higgs as the Executive Director of SAGE has dedicated over a decade to inspiring and mobilizing elders to give forward for the benefit of future generations. With a rich background as an environmental attorney at Perkins Coie LLP, Steve led significant environmental policy and litigation efforts while spearheading sustainability initiatives. His commitment to environmental stewardship is underpinned by his academic achievements, including a Juris Doctor in Environmental Law and a Master of Science in Resource Policy & Behavior from the University of Michigan. He also served as a U.S. Fulbright Research Fellow in New Zealand, where he focused on mediation in environmental disputes. Earlier in his career, Steve was a Research Fellow at the Ecosystem Management Initiative and advocated for river conservation with American Rivers. Through his leadership at SAGE, Steve continues to inspire intergenerational collaboration and activism, ensuring that each generation contributes to a better future.

We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, Elders Action Network and Elders Climate Action, for their unwavering support in making this podcast possible. Their dedication to empowering elders to take action on climate change and social justice issues is truly inspiring.

If you found this conversation as enlightening and motivating as we did, please subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel. Your subscription helps us continue bringing these vital discussions to a broader audience. Don’t forget to share this episode with your network, and let's work together to build a better world for all generations. Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and now on Instagram and YouTube Shorts. Together, we can make a difference.

We’d love to hear your feedback on today’s episode and any suggestions you have for future guests. Please send your thoughts and recommendations to thewayforwardrc@gmail.com. Your input is invaluable in helping us shape the future of this podcast.

To learn more about our sponsors and get involved, visit the Elders Action Network at eldersaction.org and Elders Climate Action at eldersclimateaction.org. Thank you for being a part of The Way Forward community.