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.

As we approach this pivotal election, the very fabric of our democracy is at risk. What happens if we let polarization and misinformation guide our choices? In this episode, John Sorensen joins us as we dissect what's truly at stake. Could we lose our rights, freedoms, and the values that make our democracy thrive. Join us as we dive deeply into the hard questions of who we want to be as a nation and how we preserve the democratic principles we hold dear.

In this episode, John Sorensen returns to discuss the state of American democracy in the context of the upcoming election. We explore pressing questions about misinformation, the dangers of polarization, and the necessity for civic engagement. John shares the important work he and Elders Action Network (EAN) are doing through Elders for Sound Democracy, focusing on initiatives to protect voting rights, counteract the influence of big money in politics, and support marginalized communities in exercising their right to vote. Together, we challenge the audience to think about the future of our country, the importance of being informed citizens, and why our democracy needs an evolution—a peaceful revolution—to truly reflect the will of the people.

Prior to his involvement with Elders Actin Network, John ran a successful aerospace business for twenty years, which he sold in 2005. Following this, he embarked on a personal journey, including humanitarian work in Vietnam that profoundly impacted his worldview and led to his commitment to elder activism.

We want to thank our sponsors, Elders Action Network and Elders Climate Action, for their continued support of this podcast. Their dedication to fostering a resilient and empowered elder community has allowed us to bring these vital conversations to you. We appreciate their unwavering commitment to addressing the most urgent issues of our time, from democracy to climate action.