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

In this special re-release of Episode #2, Corinna Bellizzi revisits an early conversation with social change strategist Genevieve Smith that feels remarkably relevant today.

Show Notes: What if the choices we make every day, from the words we use to the conversations we avoid, are shaping the world more than we realize?

Originally recorded during a period of heightened social and political tension, this discussion explores how our values show up in our actions, why "nothing is neutral," and how we can engage in difficult conversations without sacrificing either accountability or compassion.

Genevieve shares...

Can you truly change the world if you haven't first changed yourself? Gerard Powell was a CEO who took two companies public — and was quietly, persistently miserable. His journey from deep personal dissatisfaction and addiction to the discovery of plant medicine led to the founding of Rythmia Life Advancement Center in Costa Rica, the world's first medically licensed ayahuasca retreat. Nearly 24,000 guests later, with a 98.12% self-reported transformational success rate, Gerry joins Care More Be Better to make the case that the most powerful outward impact begins with the courageous work of inner transformation.

He and host Corinna Be...

The housing market right now is extremely competitive, and homelessness continues to be rampant across the country. Further amplified by economic constraints and the disparity of wealth, more and more people are finding themselves unhoused and living on the streets. Corinna Bellizzi takes a deep dive into how Americans struggle with this harsh reality with Andrew J. Gregor, a novelist and essayist. He talks about his upcoming book Roscoe, which focuses on homelessness and the speed at which stability can disappear. Andrew also explains what you can do to reach out to homeless people, or those living on the m...

What if healing our communities begins with healing our relationship to the land? Welcome, regenerators, to a powerful conversation on sustainability, justice, and regenerative living with Minkah Taharkah. As an environmental scientist, community advocate, and leader with B Healthy B Holistic Consultation, the California Farmer Justice Collaborative, and The Butterfly Movement, Minkah is helping reimagine our relationship with land, food, and each other.

Today, she explains how the Earth serves as the common thread in her work—from sustainable fashion to land justice advocacy—and how the CFJC pushes for equity for BIPOC farmers and socially disadvantaged ranch...

The world is more divided now than ever. Hard conversations are even harder to get into these days, and it is quite easy to get hostile to people who are not on your side. Corinna Bellizzi explores what it takes to heal these huge divides in society with Corey Nathan, host and producer of Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other. Together, they discuss how to get centered with our values, ethics, and unique humanness to bridge the chasms in our political and religious spaces. Corey explains what it means to harden yourself in this age when fear-mongering and ly...

Something different this week: host Corinna Bellizzi appears as a guest on The Forever Young Radio Show, hosted by her longtime colleague Kelly Cappasola. In this wide-ranging conversation, Corinna shares the science behind her pivot from fish oil to algae omega-3s, why farmed fish are now higher in omega-6 than omega-3, how to get your omega-3 levels tested for $50, and the five natural products brands at the center of her PhD dissertation research at Prescott College. She introduces what she calls the "regenerative renegades" — purpose-driven companies that do it right not because it's fashionable, but because it's the on...

Most nonprofits live inside a glossy annual report — one that looks perfect, tells a tidy story, and tells the funder exactly what they want to hear. The problem, according to Stephen Minix, is that this kind of reporting is not learning. It is validation. And validation, he argues, is quietly doing harm.

Stephen is Vice President of Community at UpMetrics, a former PE teacher, athletic director, and basketball coach at Locke High School in Watts, and one of the clearest thinkers I have encountered on why the nonprofit-funder relationship keeps failing — and what a genuinely regenerative alternative look...

Most companies aren't trying to greenwash. They're trying to put their best foot forward — and that's exactly where they go wrong.

Helen Neal, founder of HN Communications and creator of the IMPACT framework, has spent over a decade helping major organizations including Bosch, Heineken, and Aston Martin close the gap between what they say and what they actually do on sustainability. In this episode, she joins Corinna Bellizzi to unpack why corporate sustainability communication keeps failing — and what radical honesty, strategic storytelling, and the right AI tools can do to change that.

They explore the diff...

History has shown that authoritarian regimes can be toppled and social injustices can be eliminated if the public participates even in just one peaceful but powerful protest. But despite their noble goals, activism is often vilified and protesters are criminalized. Corinna Bellizzi is joined by Annie Leonard and André Carothers, two powerful souls who have spent their careers at the frontlines of activism. Together, they discuss why the public should never give up their right to protest, which is an essential “weapon” to voice out woes to those in power when all legal avenues of democracy have been exhausted. They...

In this audio podcast review, you'll hear directly from our host, Corinna Bellizzi. She shares her perspective candidly - that Patagonia Books has a gift for platforming the voices our moment most needs. In her view, Protest: Respect It, Defend It, Use It may be their most urgent title yet. The authors, Annie Leonard and André Carothers, walk us from the Boston Tea Party to Standing Rock to the protests unfolding today — weaving in first-person essays from Jane Fonda, Nemonte Nenquimo, and others who put everything on the line — to make a case that is both historically grounded and immed...

As wars continue to rage in different parts of the world, particularly between Israel and Palestine, achieving peace seems to be an impossibility. But despite the chaotic situations across the globe, there is always some way to push for a peaceful agenda – even if the main weapon is only regenerative food. Adam Hiner, co-founder of PACHA, returns to share how their business scaling efforts have transformed into using food as a force to promote peace. He joins Corinna Bellizzi to talk about his Palestinian heritage, particularly how it has influenced PACHA’s mission to continue elevating agriculture practices and forg...

The climate crisis continues to lead to more powerful and life-threatening typhoons and hurricanes. These climate-driven disasters are exposing safety issues with our housing system and putting many people’s lives at risk. Corinna Bellizzi sits down with George Siegal, a documentary filmmaker and former TV journalist, who sheds light on the systemic failures that make homes unsafe while blatantly ignoring the harsh realities we live in today. He discusses what it takes to build homes that are disaster resilient and can last for many years, as well as the true costs of constructing such residential buildings. George also ex...

Coming up with climate solutions, no matter how beneficial or positive they may be for the greater good, has become so polarized. What does it take to bring people from both sides together and develop efforts that could satisfy everyone? Corinna Bellizzi chats with someone who is doing exactly that: Peter Simek, CEO of EarthX. He shares the hard work needed to unite leaders across businesses, policies, and industries to vastly accelerate solutions for a sustainable future. Peter also discusses the benefits of aligning bottom-line economic incentives with positive outcomes, the ideal way to scale sustainable projects, and the...

As the world gets hotter and drier due to the ever-worsening climate crisis, fires also grow larger, become more aggressive, and are much harder to suppress. Corinna Bellizzi unveils a smarter fire defense method to modernize emergency response with Sunny Sethi, Founder and CEO of HEN Technologies. Sunny presents how they leverage AI, IoT, and advanced fluid dynamics to create physics-informed neural networks that serve as the world’s first end-to-end fire suppression ecosystem. They discuss how this innovative tool allows for faster, more comprehensive, and more targeted ways to control and get rid of fire, especially environmentally destructive wi...

Our oceans are slowly being destroyed by plastic pollution, and marine debris rapidly increases every year with no end in sight. Corrina Bellizzi takes a deep dive into one of the most visible and urgent environmental challenges of our time with Eric Magers, Founder and Executive Director of Seaside Sustainability. Together, they discuss what must be done to minimize and put an end to plastic pollution, from getting rid of single-use plastic to pushing for legislation centered on environmental preservation. Eric also explains the importance of empowering small-scale projects and pushing young people to drive project-based sustainability initiatives.

Toxic chemicals are found in products we use daily, and they threaten our health every single day. What can we do to keep ourselves safe from these invisible enemies, and who must we hold accountable? Corinna Bellizzi sits down with Vineet Dubey, a co-founding partner of Custodio, who shares his experiences with legal battles against manufacturers who continue to use toxic chemicals and put all of us at risk. Vineet discusses how environmental litigation puts legal pressure on big corporations, as well as the urgent need for federal action against the use of toxic chemicals. He also shares simple...

The climate crisis is not only a technological or policy challenge — it is also a crisis of worldview.

In this powerful conversation, Corinna Bellizzi speaks with Osprey Orielle Lake, founder and executive director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), about how climate justice movements around the world are working to transform our relationship with nature, power, and community.

Osprey’s work bridges grassroots activism, Indigenous leadership, international climate negotiations, and legal innovations like the Rights of Nature movement. Drawing from her book The Story Is in Our Bones: How Worldviews and Climat...

Coffee is the richest source of dietary antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in the American diet. But behind every cup of coffee is a global story that spans centuries of cultural transformation, health science, and a tangled web of trade ethics. Corinna Bellizzi delves into this topic with Chris Kilhan, medicine hunter and author of The Way of Coffee. Together, they unpack the role of coffee in social transformation, particularly with critical tensions in the coffee trade and the nonstop price increase due to the “coffee shop culture.” Chris also presents potential solutions to solve the biggest problems of the globa...

As human beings, we are built for relationship. Yet many of the leadership models we inherit are hierarchical, extractive, and rooted in struggle. In this conversation, Nina and I explore:

What relational leadership really means

Why empathy, vulnerability, and collaboration are strengths — not weaknesses

How climate justice, racial equity, gender equity, and economic reform are deeply interconnected

Why “solving for pattern” (in the spirit of Wendell Berry) leads to cascading regenerative benefits

The importance of integrating restorative, regenerative rhythms into our leadership and lives

Nina also reflects on red...

Effective altruism is the philosophy of doing the most good by maximizing your time, money, and resources. Corinna Bellizzi dives deep into this concept with JD Bauman, Executive Director of Christians for Impact. Together, they discuss what every person in the world can do to help address today’s biggest social problems, from the climate crisis to global poverty. JD explains what it takes to live an impact-driven life with the willingness to confront the uncomfortable and without reducing morality to mere statistics. He also talks about the mindset and character needed to reach across the aisle, as well as...

Human progress may be beneficial to human society, but it is usually achieved at the cost of the lives of other species. Corinna Bellizzi explores how we interrupt the movement and migration of wild animals with Hillary Rosner, a science journalist, editor, and author. Together, they discuss how human-made fences and borders, the privatization of land, and the displacement of indigenous stewardship hinder countless animals from moving freely from one place to another, leading to their dwindling population. Hillary also explains what it takes to create large-scale solutions to solve this ecological problem, and why it all starts with...

(Originally recorded July 28, 2024 for another podcast Corinna once hosted, Nutrition Without Compromise — shared with permission.)

Aging is often framed as inevitable decline. But what if much of what we call “aging” is actually preventable disease accumulation?

In this essential re-release episode, Corinna Bellizzi sits down with Michael Greger, physician, internationally recognized speaker, and founder of NutritionFacts.org.

Dr. Greger’s latest book, How Not to Age, builds on the groundbreaking work of How Not to Die and How Not to Diet — translating peer-reviewed science into practical guidance for living longer and healthier.

In this...

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, and abuse.

Every single person in the human race wants to build a better world and a brighter future for the next generation. But why is the climate discourse constantly diminished by cancel culture? Corinna Bellizzi explores this distressing social issue with climate strategist and advocate for sustainable change, Jenny Morgan. Delving into her book, Cancel Culture in Climate, Jenny discusses what it takes to get rid of the perfectionism and purist mindset that puts the entire climate movement to a halt. She explains how to participate in hopeful climate conversations that simplify the overwhelming climate problem, the importance of transparency...

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 res...

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...

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 ho...

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...

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 ex...

Chris Burres has spent years diving into the molecular science of aging, enabling him to create groundbreaking products with the potential to double people’s lifespans. He joins Corinna Bellizzi to share how he and his team at MyVitalC have created a special blend of the molecule ESS60 in organic extra virgin olive oil to improve human longevity like never before. He explains how it influences oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and overall cellular resilience, leading to healthier and more vibrant lives. Chris also talks about the Buffering Oxidative Stress System or BOSS Theory that explains how the molecule ESS60 work...

A Care More Be Better Solocast with Corinna Bellizzi

In this solocast, Corinna Bellizzi zooms out from the headlines to examine a deeper and more unsettling reality: the world is not moving together on climate action. Instead, nations are choosing very different paths — shaped by energy dependence, political cycles, economic pressures, and fear-driven narratives.

Building on last week’s episode, The Global Crossroads of Climate Policy, this conversation explores why global climate leadership is diverging, how policy instability and “climate whiplash” undermine progress, and why regenerative leadership offers a credible path forward amid uncertainty.

Rather...

Guest: Dr. William W. Li, NYT-Bestselling Author of Eat to Beat Disease
Originally Recorded: May 2022 on Nutrition Without Compromise
Sponsor of Original Episode: ÖRLÖ Nutrition Co-Hosts: Corinna Bellizzi & Tia Walden This episode is shared with permission from Nutrition Without Compromise and ORLO Nutrition. 

Episode Summary

Today’s bonus episode comes from the archives of a show I once hosted—Nutrition Without Compromise—a series created to explore nourishment that never sacrifices human health, planetary health, or ethical integrity. While Dr. Li has joined us on Care More Be Better a few times, this conversat...

A Care More Be Better Solocast with Corinna Bellizzi

This week, the global sustainability landscape delivered a swirl of conflicting signals — bold progress in some regions, dramatic rollbacks in others, and powerful reminders that our environmental challenges are deeply interconnected. In this solo episode, or "solocast," Corinna unpacks five major developments shaping the future of climate action, environmental justice, and regenerative systems worldwide.

From a landmark U.S. court ruling in support of offshore wind, to the UN’s latest warning about our interwoven planetary crises, to troubling policy back-steps in Australia and Europe, and fina...

Storytelling can inspire us to take action on the ever-worsening climate crisis. Ali Horriyat and Cathryn Bancroft join forces in writing a new cli-fi book, The Hollow Age, which dares to ask the question: if our planet burns, do we run to another planet or risk everything to save it? Together with Corinna Bellizzi, they discuss how they use fiction to shed light on the alarming realities of the earth right now. Ali and Cathryn also break down the best ways to address the immigration problem in the United States and what it truly takes to begin a social re...

How much is enough at the holidays?

In this solo episode of Care More Be Better, host Corinna Bellizzi reflects on the spirit of giving at Christmas and beyond: how we can shift from consumerism to connection, from “more stuff” to more meaning.

Drawing inspiration from her earlier interview with Stephanie Seferian, host of Sustainable Minimalists and author of Sustainable Minimalism, Corinna explores:

The Four Gift Rule and Seven Gift Rule

Why experiences and group gifts (like memberships or trips) often outlast toys

Ideas for spreading gifts across the 12 Days...

The skin is our biggest detoxification organ, and yet we put things on it that we do not fully understand. To avoid compromising your overall health with poorly made moisturizers and sunscreens, now is the time to give regenerative skincare products a try. Corinna Bellizzi is joined by Megan Douglas, fifth-generation herbalist and founder of The Organic Skin Co., who advocates for natural health, clean beauty, and sustainability. She talks about their holistic products made from organic ingredients and packed in highly sustainable material, which protect the skin and even the entire planet from further damage. Megan also shares...

Tons of plastic continue to pile up in landfills and find their way in our oceans, and it only gets worse every single year. Judith Enck, founder and president of Beyond Plastics, is leading the charge against plastic pollution for decades. She joins Corinna Bellizzi to share what must be done to accelerate and improve efforts in reducing plastic use, particularly recycling and reusing methods. Judith also explains why most plastics continue not to get recycled, the best way to reduce unnecessary food packaging, and why corporations are the biggest culprit behind the worsening state of plastic pollution.

Shared with permission from The Get Obsessed With Living Your Best Life Podcast - hosted by Julie Lokun.

This week, I’m excited to share a powerful conversation from my podcasting colleague and business bestie, Julie Lokun, host of Get Obsessed With Your Life. Julie sits down with Jim Kwik, the world’s leading brain coach and author of the bestselling book Limitless.

Jim has trained visionaries like Oprah Winfrey, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates — and in this episode, he breaks down how you can learn faster, remember more, and reprogram your brain for success in an...

With the increasing number of huge industrial mills across the country, one of the most essential parts of our food system is also being industrialized: flour. Kevin Morse, CEO and co-founder of Cairnspring Mills, talks about his mission to bring organic flour into the mainstream market and the important role of community-rooted mills in achieving that goal. He joins Corinna Bellizzi to share how regenerative farming practices, healthy farmer relations, and sustainable food manufacturing are keys to producing nutrient-rich flour and bringing value back to local grain communities. Kevin also sheds light on how smallholder farmers are facing their...

In this episode, Corinna Bellizzi welcomes Laney Crowell, Founder and CEO of Saie, a clean beauty brand redefining what it means to care for people and planet. From the Saie Climate Initiative to The Saie Way docuseries, Laney is proving that beauty can be a force for regeneration.

They explore how Saie is tackling plastic waste, transparency in the beauty industry, and why beauty can—and should—be activism. Laney also shares personal reflections on raising daughters in a time of climate anxiety, finding joy in small actions, and how her leadership is helping to shift an enti...