A Change is a Chance

In this episode, I interviewed Ms. Anika Ballent, the Director of Education at Algalita, a non-profit organization that fights the plastic problem through youth education, research, legislation and beyond. We discussed the incredible projects that Algalita has taken on, as well as why education is so crucial to solving our environment problems. Learning about things like gyres, nurdles, and so muc...

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Emily Creegan, a soil/ecosystem regeneration scientist and teacher, about one of her specialties, composting. She explained how despite common belief, composting is actually a very feasible way to mitigate climate change. From alarming statistics about the methane in our world, to the many ways composting can protect our environment, I learned so much! Tune in no...

In this episode, I talked to Lana Wong, the Director of Communications for the Education Commission, a current Board member for Shout Mouse Press, and team leader for the Shootback project. Ms. Wong talks about representation for marginalized and under-represented communities, and why it's critically important. We discussed representation through a camera, through books, and the urgency of educati...

In this episode, I talked with Ms. Renee Yang, co-founder of TeachAAPI, an organization fighting for AAPI representation in schools around the country, about teaching AAPI-inclusive curriculum in K-12, why it's necessary, and how we can help. She explained to me the urgency of Asian representation and how her organization is working towards in-school Asian history, especially elementary school, ar...

In this episode, I talked with Mr. David McGuire, founder of Shark Stewards, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting sharks. He explained to me why sharks are not only uninterested in humans, as a mere 10 shark attacks occur on average, but also help the ocean produce 50% of the air we breathe. We went over how important these apex predators are to the marine ecosystem, and the creatures...

Brian Copeland, a writer, actor, comedian, and many more, joins A Change is a Chance to discuss the most polarizing issues of our time: Critical Race Theory, voter suppression, Covid-19, alternative facts, and the fight for democracy.  Mr. Copeland also gives us a hint on his next big project! 

This episode was my second interview with Ms. Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, the founder of Plastic Free July. We discussed current events like COP26, the documentary Seaspiracy, and the 2021 Plastic Free Foundation Impact Report. We also talked about Ms. Prince-Ruiz's book, "Plastic Free", and her plans for the future. Learning Ms. Prince-Ruiz's opinions was enlightening, including the hope that she provid...

In this episode, Mr. Nick and Mr. Hans Schippers, two brothers from Parley for the Oceans, who specialize in upcycling, green education, and , talked with me about the plastic dangers that industries hide in plain sight, green-washing, and the myth of recycling. We also discussed the amazing work the Schippers brothers have done with SCHroadtrip (Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii), Parley for the Ocea...

This episode is the second part of the 2 part series with Hip-Hop for Change, an organization that empowers and teaches youth to speak up and fight through hip-hop, as well as unlearning and relearning the role of BIPOC in history. Ms. Stephanie Liem, Mr. Marlon Richardson, and I discussed the importance of Afro-Asian Solidarity, what it is, and why cross-group solidarity is critical in fighting w...

This episode is the first part of a 2 part series with Hip-Hop for Change, an organization that empowers and teaches youth to speak up and fight through hip-hop, as well as unlearning and relearning the role of BIPOC in history. I talked with Ms. Stephanie Liem, the Communication Director, and Mr. Marlon Richardson, the Education Director, about what Hip-Hop for Change is, what its missions are, a...

This episode, I talked to Mr. Hank Dearden, the Founder of Forest Planet, an organization that plants trees across the globe to create sustainable food sources and save ecosystems.  Mr. Dearden discusses the greater impact of reforestation and shares specific examples of projects where Forest Planet have successfully restored food sources and ecosystems for villages. It was an enlightening co...

Mr. Christian Shaw is the co-founder of Plastic Tides, an organization that reduces plastic in a totally different way. Instead of beach clean-ups and an effective plastic free month, Plastic Tides takes the approach that kids should be making this change. They implement this idea by having mentors guide kids on a change-making journey.

Ms. Rebecca Mattos and Mr. Hideki Kimukai from Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, an organization that keeps the coastlines of Oahu clean and so much more, talk to me about the true beauties of Hawaii. Hawaii is filled with many beautiful sights from the magnificent beaches and reefs to the breathtaking scenery, but as I have learned, the genuine, deeper beauty is seeing people like Ms. Mattos and Mr....

Mr. Will Barrett is the Director of Clean Air and Advocate of the American Lung Association. Mr. Barrett specializes in smart growth and clean fuel policies. He's also part of the committee that makes the State of the Air Report, "a report card of the air quality". Along with that, this is the 10th episode of A Change is a Chance. Thanks to everyone who has stayed with me this far and I look forwa...

Mr. Brent Leary is a Black business owner and technology influencer.  He is here to teach us about diversity in the workplace, unique challenges that Black businesses face, and what we can do as citizens to help ensure equality in opportunities for minorities and diversity in positions of power. 

In this episode, Mr. Greenbaum answers my questions about why it is so critical to vote, the impact of voter apathy and voter suppression on our democracy, the outdated role of the Electoral College and how young and future voters can get engaged now! 

Mr. Dave Smith, a technology research analyst and musician, talks to me about his encounters with racism as a Black-American, the Black Lives Matter movement, and this uncomfortable conversation around race that we need to bring to the forefront.

Plastic Free July is an amazing challenge for people to participate in. Ms. Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, the founder of the Plastic Free July Foundation, is here to talk to us about Plastic Free July, what it's like to be plastic free, and how you can join in the challenge.

Mr. Robert Bisset is here to talk to us about some current projects the GEF (Global Environment Facility) is undertaking to improve the environment. We will be going discussing climate change, international waters, and deforestation.

Dr. Victoria Howard is the Health Promotions Specialist at the American Lung Association in Northern California. She is here to educate us on the dangers of vaping and the many myths behind the e-cig industry. 

Learn about all the ways to reduce carbon pollution to help keep the planet habitable.

In this episode, I am interviewing Mr. David Gottfried, the Father of the Global Green Building Movement . He will be teaching us about the LEED standard and his Green Building Council. We will find about the initial goals of the Council, Mr. Gottfried's books and podcast, and how you can limit your usage of CO2.

Learn about how Ms. Obenchain got interested in science and how you can help make a difference in climate change.  I have had Ms. O as a Science Teacher since I was in Kindergarten at Saklan. She has inspired me year after year.  She has taught me that reading and learning isn't enough, you need to get out there and make things happen.  I hope this podcast is the start of a movement...