Revolutionary Optimism Podcast

Is America at a breaking point—or at the cusp of a breakthrough? In this episode, Dr. Zeitz sits down with Reverend Dr. Liz Theoharis, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign and director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice. A lifelong theologian and anti-poverty organizer, Rev. Dr. Liz shares why we are living in a Kairos moment—a time of both crisis and profound possibility.

Together, they unpack the growing attacks on democracy, the war on the poor, and the billionaire class’s grip on our government. And they also lift up the fierce grassroots resistance blooming across the country: movements led by those most impacted, from diaper banks to climate justice fights in Cancer Alley. Liz shares the power of moral fusion organizing, the heart behind her new book “You Only Get What You’re Organized to Take,” and how survival itself is sparking a revival.

If you're feeling despair, this conversation offers a bold, grounded, and faith-infused path toward action, justice, and transformation.

• Learn more about the Kairos Center: https://kairoscenter.org/
• Learn more about the Poor People's Campaign: https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/

Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/

Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!

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

Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.

In this Emergency Opportunity Podcast (EOP), we reflect on the trials and triumphs of the past year and explore the profound insights shared by our diverse array of guests. Dr. Zeitz discusses the powerful lessons learned from Rep. Barbara Lee, Democratic Presidential Candidate Marianne Williamson, Rabbi Shefa Gold, and Congressman Jamie Raskin. He emphasizes the urgency to address the climate emergency and advocates for a four-pronged climate transformation. He shares insights from direct action organizations like Climate Defiance and encourages listeners to join the movement for renewable energy and climate restoration.

Dr. Zeitz passionately advocates for a peaceful revolution, putting love at the center of our social, economic, and political systems for collective repair, justice, and peace. As we stand at a crossroads between repair and destruction, Dr. Zeitz invites listeners to choose revolutionary optimism. Join us in 2024 as we build a sacred community, explore ways of building power, and work together to create a peaceful world.

Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/

Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!

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

Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.

Dr. Zeitz explores the path of love and interspirituality as the foundation for revolutionary optimism with Rabbi Shefa Gold and Reverend Matthew Wright as it aims to connect and weave together people of faith, across all religions and non-believers, that may connect humanistically–so that together we can connect, inspire, and heal, and we can embrace our common humanity.

In this captivating conversation, you will gain a deep understanding of how contemplative practices (meditation, chanting, etc.) can transform your life, build sacred interconnections with other communities, supporting our collective awakening, as we navigate the challenging times we are living through. Younger generations are longing for a love-centered spirituality that aligns each of us with our globally interconnected world. By embracing the transformative fire at the heart of all wisdom traditions, we can transcend rigid labels and identities that end up dividing us.

Both Rabbi Shefa and Reverend Matthew highlight the importance of cultivating human qualities such as compassion, humility, gentleness, patience, and kindness, utilizing the resources and practices of various traditions to deepen our lives. By putting “love at the center” of our own inner life so that we can connect and heal ourselves, our families, our communities, and our country.

Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/

Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!

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

Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.

In this eye-opening episode, join Dr. Zeitz as he welcomes Margaret Klein Salamon, the passionate author of the second edition of "Facing the Climate Emergency: How to Transform Yourself with Climate Truth,” and Rabbi Arthur Waskow, founder of the Shalom Center and a renowned spiritual leader and historian, as they dive deeply into the urgent call for collective action to combat the worst effects of climate change and discuss the concept of going "all in for all life.”

Dr. Zeitz and Margaret explore the magnitude of the climate crisis, the importance of peaceful mobilization, and the need for immediate and bold transformational action. They reflect on the current state of global climate emergency declarations and the critical role of governments, corporations, and individuals in addressing this crisis, and how Margaret's groundbreaking work has shaped the climate mobilization movement and influenced governments and organizations worldwide.

Rabbi Arthur, with his unique blend of spiritual insight and historical expertise, shares his wisdom on the possibilities that lie ahead by analyzing the pivotal moment we find ourselves in within US history and the global context of the climate crisis. He explores the significance of the term "auspicious moment" in our current climate, drawing parallels between ancient rituals and the potential sacrifice of our planet by corporate interests, and delves into the intersection of spirituality and history, emphasizing the universal teachings of love and justice that can shape a more compassionate constitution for the United States.

Tune in for thought-provoking conversations to find inspiration to take action in these critical times, and discover how history and spirituality can guide us toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/

Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!

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

Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.

In this episode, Dr. Zeitz sits down with Jesse Leon, author, speaker and powerful advocate for change. Jesse’s story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. A survivor of childhood sexual violence and sex trafficking, Jesse shares his harrowing yet triumphant journey from darkness to empowerment. His memoir "I'm Not Broken" serves as a guiding light, shedding light on his path of resilience and healing.

Dr. Zeitz and Jesse engage in a candid conversation, delving into the depths of Jesse's experiences and the transformative power of embracing one's heritage. Jesse's Mexican and indigenous roots played a pivotal role in his healing journey, revealing a unique blend of spiritual wisdom and ancestral strength that he continues to draw from. Jesse declares that, “We Are Not Broken” underscores the significance of embracing our stories, finding strength in our heritage, and working collectively towards a world where all survivor's voices are heard and honored.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation between Jesse Leon and Dr. Paul Zeitz as they discuss the urgent need to destigmatize discussions around childhood sexual violence, create safe spaces for healing, and incorporate the invaluable expertise of survivors into policy-making processes. This episode is an exploration of hope, resilience, and the power of unity in the face of adversity.

Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/

Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!

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

Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.