Threads of Commonality

Conversation with Michele Granberg about Veganuary, what/how/why, and her work as a vegan coach. 

One of my favorite things about doing this podcast is the opportunity to learn something new every time I have a new guest on the show.  In this episode, I chat with Cory Hutchinson who's running for office in Florida.  He's seeking a spot as Sarasota County Commissioner for District 3.  He's running a smart, focused, and people-powered campaign.  Everything he's saying makes sense.  

He’s been a resident of Sarasota County his entire life and grew up in North Port where he lives with his fiance.  He’s dedicated to his community and all that it can be.  He loves helping people and doing his best every day to make the world a better place.  His goal is “Re-Imagine Government” which means he wants government to operate the way it was designed, of, by and for the people. He’s dedicated to fighting for what’s right, not what’s easy.

In this episode, Cory talks about everything from environmental protections and impact fees to mental health services for those that need it the most.  Have a listen and get to know Cory Hutchinson for Sarasota County Commissioner District 3.

Support his campaign at:

In 2018, Florida saw the worst red tide it's experienced in decades.  Millions of marine animals from fish and crabs to dolphins, sea turtles, and even a whale shark were killed by the toxic algae called karenia brevis.  This algae is naturally occurring, but usually is in small amounts for a limited time.  Due to human behavior leading to excess nutrients, these excess nutrients are like steroids for the algae and apocalyptic blooms like that of 2018 happen and destroy ecosystems as well as economies. 

These toxic blooms are a result of human behavior such as the spraying of glyphosate, overdevelopment leading to partially treated waste spills, and increased amounts of stormwater runoff that carry nutrients from impervious surfaces straight to the oceans.  The results are damaged ecosystems, dead wildlife, and suffering economies all while elected officials pay lip service to their constituents and tout bills that do absolutely nothing to protect Florida's fragile ecosystems.

There is hope, especially in 2020 as more and more environmentally-focused people are stepping up to run for office.  This episode of Threads of Commonality is spent with Andy Mele as he discusses his journey toward the Florida House in District 71.

Andy has spent a lifetime fighting and winning huge victories for the planet, especially in the battle for protecting water.  He has a master’s degree in environmental science, concentrated in environmental economics and policy. He is author of Polluting for Pleasure, the book that led directly to the extinction of twelve million two-cycle outboard motors, ending discharges equivalent to 5 Exxon Valdez oil spills each year into American waterways. He was Executive Director of Clearwater, the Hudson River environmental group formed by folk singer Pete Seeger in 1966, and won the 30-year battle with General Electric over its massive PCB spill in the Hudson. He was recently ED of Suncoast Waterkeeper, working for protection of coastal ecosystems, to halt phosphate strip mining and untrammeled development in Florida, and to bring red tide back to pre-development levels. 

In this episode, get to know Andy and be sure to spread the word about his campaign.  The state of Florida absolutely needs this environmental warrior.  He will be on the ballot in November.

I am so excited for everyone to listen to this episode.  I get to introduce you to one of my favorite places and chat with one of my favorite people:  Karla Dumas at Yesahcan Animal Sanctuary.  In this episode we talk about Yesahcan Sanctuary and meet Karla Dumas, one of the founders of Yesahcan.  We get to hear about the unique and inspirational stories of some of the resident animals and discover ways we can each make a difference.

Founded in 2018, by Karla and Jody Dumas, Yesahcan Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing refuge and permanent homes for farmed animals in need. Yesahcan Sanctuary’s mission is to raise awareness and increase compassion for all living creatures, especially farmed animals. Yesahcan Sanctuary offers education opportunities, through field trips, volunteer days, cooking classes and more. Yesahcan Sanctuary cares for over 70 permanent residents and is completely volunteer operated.

In 2016 I had the pleasure of meeting Pierce Delahunt who at that time had chosen to leave a fast-paced lifestyle in NYC for a life on the road in a diesel-truck converted to run on used vegetable oil.  When I first met Pierce, we became instant friends.  I'm drawn to folks living outside the box and he was eager to share his story for others to hear.  Although Pierce and I have different ways of thinking about issues and perceiving the world around us sometimes, we have a mutual respect and seek common ground.  I always feel like I am learning from others when we seek this mutual understanding to work from.

Tune into this episode of Threads of Commonality to hear about his change in lifestyle, what prompted it, what he's learned, and his take on capitalism, socialism, education, and how to move forward as a society.  "Capitalism vs Socialism is not the same thing as Business vs Government.  Governments can be Capitalist, Businesses can be Socialist.  The question is who holds power: Workers/People or Bosses/Capital?" ~ Pierce Delahunt, March 2020

Strap on your seatbelt and hold on tight.  This conversation is going to be very different. 

Find out more about Pierce on social media at @DelapierceD - Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram. 

Welcome back to Threads of Commonality!  In this episode, Sam Kelly has the opportunity to chat with the ultimate environmental candidate, the tree lady herself, Alice White.  She is running for Sarasota County Commissioner in Florida.  Even if you're not anywhere near Sarasota, this conversation is refreshing.  It's encouraging to know that someone so passionate and REAL is running for office.

Alice has been actively involved in her community for over 30 years. She’s a retired teacher and founder of a local environmental nonprofit called People for Trees. She’s the ultimate tree lady, being a huge advocate for preserving forests, tree canopy, and protecting wildlife. She walks the walks. Her energy is contagious and she’s excited to get to work representing the people of Sarasota County.

In this episode, find out more about her campaign, the environmental concerns in Sarasota County, putting people over special interests, and how to get involved in making a difference in your community. In order to protect the fragile ecosystems that make Florida (and the planet) so unique, we need to become actively involved.  

In this episode, Sam Kelly has the opportunity to have a chat with the Mayor of Venice, FL, Ron Feinsod.  They discuss the environment and wildlife, land development regulations, and the COVID19 situation, especially the topic of masks.

Mayor Feinsod was elected in 2019 to serve his first term as Mayor of Venice.  He ran on an environmental platform making water quality and healthy ecosystems the focus of efforts.  In his time in office, he has been faced with the current challenge of leading a city during a pandemic.  In this episode, we dig into the mask discussion, the topic of a possible mask ordinance, and how to protect the people of Venice as well as the local economy.

In this episode of Threads of Commonality, Sam Kelly introduces us to Megan, a teenage activist that has been using her voice to make a change in the world since she was a little girl needing a stool to reach the microphone.

Megan Sorbo is a fourteen-year old animal and environmental activist. Megan is an unapologetic, outspoken, and unwavering vegan. In addition to animals, Megan’s other passion in life is Taekwondo. There are multiple people who inspire her, but Megan particularly looks up to Rachel Carson as a role model to emulate. Megan is an avid fiction writer and as an adult would like to be an author and work in a science field that involves helping animals. Megan also likes to read, go biking, hiking, paddling, and to spend time with her animals- four dogs and two cats.

Imagine starting a millennial-friendly church in America’s Holy City.  That’s just what today’s guest, Colin Kerr, has done in Charleston, SC.  From philosophical Talks on Tap, to weekend beach volleyball, to Sunday services with the all-inclusive, full-of-youth congregation, this “pastor” is anything but traditional.  We will talk Christianity for the curious, confused, and skeptical.

Colin Kerr is the founding pastor of Parkside Church. He previously spent eight years assisting historic congregations with church renewal strategies, planting a new multi-campus college ministry at College of Charleston and the Citadel, and received the Baired Prize for Preaching at seminary. Colin has a passion for beach volleyball, craft beer, and consensus-oriented dialogue — usually over craft beer. He is married to a whip smart nurse and is the father of an adorable little girl. His most recent book, Faith Hope Love: The Essentials of Christianity for the Curious, Confused, and Skeptical, is available in hardcover and ebook.