Dr. Paul Zeitz is joined by Ann Pettifor, a trailblazing economist and author known for her pivotal work on sovereign debt and the Green New Deal. Ann shares her journey from apartheid South Africa to becoming a leading advocate for reconstructing the “global casino” into a new financial system that serves people and the planet. Together, they explore the unruly Wall Street controlled financial system that drives inequality, the climate emergency, and democratic erosion, highlighting the urgent need for solidarity and systemic change. Discover how Ann's faith in humanity fuels her Revolutionary Optimism and learn how we can challenge extractive capitalism and build a just, sustainable future.

Note: This episode was recorded before the results of the 2024 Election were known.

Check out Ann's System Change blog.

Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here!

Are you ready to #unify? Learn more about the transformational movement at www.unifymovements.org.

Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Earfluence.

In this episode, Terry Bouricius, prominent political theorist and former Vermont legislator, highlights the shortcomings of traditional electoral systems in achieving true demographic representation and effective decision-making. Drawing from his experiences in legislative bodies, Bouricius emphasizes the disconnect between lawmakers and the populations they serve, particularly evident in his work on a landlord-tenant bill. Inspired by his participation in a Citizens Assembly in British Columbia, Bouricius advocates for sortition-based democracy as a more democratic alternative to elections. He points to successful implementations of sortition in countries like Ireland, where citizens' assemblies have led to significant reforms, showcasing the potential for ordinary citizens to reach consensus on complex issues. Bouricius's push for sortition aims to reduce political polarization by gradually transferring policy decisions from elected officials to randomly selected juries, promoting a more inclusive and representative form of governance.

Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here!

Are you ready to #unify? Learn more about the transformational movement at www.unifymovements.org.

Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Earfluence.

In this episode, Dr. Zeitz sits down with Sam Daley-Harris, a renowned author, activist, and founder of Results, an organization focused on ending poverty and promoting social justice. Sam shares the journey that led him from the world of music to advocating for global change, and why he updated his groundbreaking book, Reclaiming Our Democracy, for today's political climate. Together, they explore how ordinary citizens can drive transformational change through grassroots advocacy, and how embracing a love-centered approach to activism is key to overcoming cynicism and despair. Sam reveals his insights on "transformational advocacy" and the missing piece in our democracy: us. Tune in to hear how you can reclaim your power, get in touch with your “why,” and be part of the movement for a just, peaceful, and thriving future.

Stay in touch with Sam here, or get his book here.

Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here!

Are you ready to #unify? Learn more about the transformational movement at www.unifymovements.org.

Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Earfluence.