In this powerful episode, renowned climate philosopher and activist Dr. Rupert Read challenges us to confront the stark realities of climate breakdown and political instability. Offering a unique blend of radical honesty and transformative action, Read illuminates pathways forward through emotional resilience, transformative adaptation, and community empowerment. This isn't a conversation about easy fixes; it's a compelling call to face our crisis head-on, together.

Dr. Rupert Read PhD is a prominent British climate activist, and author. He holds degrees from Balliol College, Oxford, and Rutgers University, where he earned his PhD in Philosophy. Currently, Read is an Emeritus Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of East Anglia, UK. He has authored several influential books including Transformative Adaptation, The Climate Majority Project, This Civilization Is Finished, do you want to know the TRUTH, and Deep Adaptation, co-authored with Jem Bendell. Read is also well-known for his involvement with Extinction Rebellion and is co-director of The Climate Majority Project, advocating for practical and systemic responses to the climate crisis. His work blends rigorous philosophical thought with frontline activism, emphasizing emotional resilience, transformative action, and community engagement.

We extend special thanks to Elders Climate Action and the Elders Action Network, whose support makes these essential conversations possible. Their ongoing commitment empowers elders to lead and inspire transformative actions on climate, democracy, and resilience, truly embodying the power and wisdom of elder activism.

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On January 20, 2025, as Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term as President of the United States, The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations seized this historic and uncertain moment to discuss the role of elders in shaping our collective future. In this powerful episode, we welcome esteemed author, educator, and activist Rick Moody to explore with us how those aged 65 and older can engage meaningfully in times of political and environmental upheaval.

At a time when misinformation is rampant, democracy feels fragile, and the climate crisis looms large, Moody challenges the notion of passive aging and calls for action. He makes a compelling case for why hope is not just a feeling but a practice—one that requires rolling up our sleeves and actively shaping the world we will leave behind. Whether you’re newly retired, deeply engaged in activism, or wondering what your legacy will be, this conversation will inspire and motivate you to embrace the power of your years.

In Episode we engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Rick Moody about the intersection of aging, climate change, and civic responsibility. We explore how elders can resist misinformation, foster intergenerational collaboration, and take tangible action to create a better future.

Moody shares insights on the importance of truth in an era of political deception, the urgency of climate action, and why aging should be seen as a time of purpose rather than decline. He recalls his experiences working with great thinkers like Hugh Downs and Robert Butler, who coined the term “ageism”, and reflects on how older adults can reimagine their role in society. The conversation is a call for elders to step forward, not step back—to lead, not retreat—to build, not despair.

Moody also discusses his latest book, Climate Change in an Aging Society (2023, Routledge), and his ongoing work with nonprofits and grassroots climate movements. He reminds us that history is not something we inherit—it is something we create, and elders have a crucial role in shaping what comes next.

Harry (Rick) Moody, Ph.D., is a leading voice in the fields of aging, ethics, and climate activism. A graduate of Yale University with a doctorate in philosophy from Columbia University, Dr. Moody has dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of aging, purpose, and social change.

He retired as Vice President for Academic Affairs at AARP and has held faculty positions at Fielding Graduate University and Tohoku University in Japan. Previously, he served as Executive Director of the Brookdale Center on Aging at Hunter College, and Chairman of the Board of Elderhostel (now Road Scholar).

Dr. Moody is the author of over 100 scholarly articles and several influential books, including Aging: Concepts and Controversies, a widely used gerontology textbook now in its 10th edition, and The Five Stages of the Soul, which has been translated into seven languages. His latest book, Climate Change in an Aging Society, was published in 2023.

A passionate advocate for climate action, Dr. Moody writes a newsletter focused on climate change and aging. He was named one of Utne Reader’s “50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World” and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society on Aging.

Subscribe to his climate newsletter here: Climate and Aging Newsletter.

We are deeply grateful to Elders Action Network (EAN) and Elders Climate Action (ECA) for their continued support in making this podcast possible. Their dedication to empowering elders to take action on critical social and environmental issues aligns perfectly with the mission of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations.

To learn more about their work and how you can get involved, visit:

• Elders Action Network (EAN)
• Elders Climate Action (ECA)

Thank you for listening and remember: History is not a destination—it is what we choose to do today.

In this special episode of The Way Forward, we confront the stark realities emerging from the latest U.S. elections. With America seemingly more divided than ever, we explore what’s truly at stake for our democracy, our environment, and our social fabric. How do we face an uncertain future? This is not just politics—this is about the values we stand for and the world we wish to leave for our children. Tune in as we grapple with what this election reveals and the urgent questions that we now all face.

In this reflective episode, John, Alain, and Jim dive into the aftermath of the recent U.S. presidential and congressional elections. They share their personal reactions and examine the underlying issues driving this pivotal moment in history. They discuss what the results mean for America’s future, the motives driving voters, and the urgent need to rebuild community through genuine conversations. The hosts also commit to moving forward by inviting more diverse voices to the podcast and focusing on the role of dialogue in bridging divides.

We would like to thank our sponsors, Elders Action Network and Elders Climate Action, for their continued support. Your commitment to fostering a better future for our children and our planet makes conversations like these possible. Together, we stand strong in our mission to inspire generational action and create a more just and sustainable world. Thank you for your dedication and for being part of our journey.