Faith and Sustainability

What are some ways that we incorporate Faith and Sustainability into our Lenten journey?A new and refreshed Faith and Sustainability season begins on April 1st!

Join us for a conversation with co-authors Susan Varlamoff and Dr. Rob McDowell as we mark the 10th anniversary of the groundbreaking Archdiocese of Atlanta's Laudato Si’ Action Plan. This episode explores the faith-rooted vision that sparked a movement, the science and strategy behind the plan, and the enduring impact it’s had on communities across Atlanta and beyond.

Just in time for America Recycles Day, we’re lacing them up with Bobby Johnson, founder of Eco Sneakers!Bobby shares how one pair of discarded sneakers can spark hope, dignity, and environmental impact across communities. His story is a powerful reminder that purpose walks where others see waste.

We welcome the Sisters of Holy Wisdom Monastery in Madison, Wisconsin. Known for their contemplative approach to environmental stewardship, the sisters have restored over 170 acres of native prairie and oak savanna, transforming the land into a vibrant ecosystem of biodiversity and spiritual renewal.

Drake Starling of Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice is a faith-rooted change maker and community resilience advocate. He explores how spiritual values shape bold environmental leadership. From grassroots organizing to systemic impact, Drake shares stories of hope, healing, and the power of congregations to lead climate solutions.

Beth Remmes, from Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, shares how her deep spiritual grounding shapes her work in environmental justice and emotional resilience. As a facilitator of Active Hope and a leader within GIPL’s Four Directions Fund, Beth draws on faith not just as inspiration—but as a call to action. She explores how spiritual communities can move from ecological grief to collective healing, and how storytelling rooted in belief can mobilize change. Her work reminds us that sustainability isn’t just technical—it’s sacred.

Chandra Farley, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Atlanta, shares her personal journey from community cheerleader to clean energy strategist, revealing how faith, family, and fierce commitment to justice shaped her path. We explore how sustainability becomes transformational when rooted in equity, and how faith communities can lead the charge through policy, partnerships, and storytelling.

We’re joined Lisa Sharon Harper, founder of Freedom Road and prophetic voice for justice, faith, and environmental healing.Lisa shares her personal journey, the mission behind Freedom Road, and how spiritual formation and systemic change go hand in hand.

Urban revitalization powerhouse Majora Carter is joining us on the Faith & Sustainability Podcast!From the Bronx to boardrooms, Majora has redefined what it means to build sustainable, self-determined communities. We’re diving into her groundbreaking work, her personal journey, and how faith and justice intersect in the fight for environmental equity.

On this episode of the Faith & Sustainability Podcast, Rev. Canon Sally Bingham—founder of Interfaith Power & Light—shares how faith communities can lead the charge against climate change. Drawing from decades of advocacy, she explores the spiritual imperative to protect creation and mobilize congregations for environmental justice.

On this episode of Faith & Sustainability, Xavier University professor and zero waste advocate Bob Gedert shares how his faith fuels his fight against plastic pollution. He discusses the moral urgency of discontinuing single-use plastics and previews his upcoming book, Untangling Plastics, which explores the environmental and spiritual costs of petrochemical dependence.

In this episode, meet Sarah Kirikumwino, a dynamic youth leader and president of the Laudato Si' clubs through the Laudato Youth Initiative. Sarah shares how young people across Uganda are taking bold steps to live out their faith by caring for our common home—turning environmental awareness into impactful action inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si'. Discover how youth are leading the charge in faith-based climate action and building a more sustainable future.

In this episode, we welcome KoAnn Vikoren Skrzyniarz, the visionary Founder and Chief Catalyst of Sustainable Brands, a global network of business leaders reimagining the role of brands in building a sustainable future. Since founding Sustainable Life Media in 2004, KoAnn has been a driving force behind purpose-led innovation and regenerative business practices. Join us as we explore how brands can become powerful agents of positive change for both people and the planet.

Kimberly White, chief sustainability officer for Cobb County and executive director of Keep Cobb Beautiful, shares her passion for building sustainable communities through practical, people-centered initiatives that connect policy, education and grassroots action.From clean energy planning to community cleanups, hear how Cobb County is becoming a model for local environmental leadership—and how residents are playing a vital role. Whether you're an eco-advocate, community organizer, or just curious about what sustainability looks like in action, Kimberly's insights will inspire you to think globally and act locally.

Dr. Larry McEvoy, founder of Epidemic Leadership, unpacks how spiritual conviction, community resilience, and strategic leadership can converge to navigate times of deep disruption.Drawing on his experience in emergency medicine, systems transformation, and leadership development, Dr. McEvoy shares a visionary perspective on how crises—from pandemics to climate disasters—reveal the urgent need for spiritually grounded, relational and regenerative leadership.This episode explores how faith can inform public health response, how environmental action becomes a moral imperative, and how leaders can build systems that heal rather than harm. It’s a powerful conversation for anyone seeking hope, clarity, and courage in complex times.

Rev. Dr. Ambrose Carroll, founder of Green The Church, discusses the intersection of faith, environmentalism, social justice and exploring the dynamic role of the Black Church in the sustainability movement.Dr. Carroll shares the deeply rooted spiritual and cultural connections between Black faith traditions and environmental stewardship—drawing on a rich legacy of community resilience, prophetic witness, and justice-driven activism. We dive into theunique challenges, bold opportunities, and transformational engagement that define this critical intersection.From church rooftops to climate justice rallies, from food deserts to energy democracy, this episode is a testament to the leadership rising from the pews to protect creation—and to inspire us all. . As a leading voice in faith-based climate advocacy, he explored how religious communities can mobilize for sustainability and environmental justice.

Rabbi Yonatan Neril, founder of the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD) based in Jerusalem, explores the powerful intersection of spirituality and sustainability. With insights from global stages like the UN Climate Conferences, the World Economic Forum, and the Parliament of World Religions, Rabbi Neril shares how interfaith collaboration can inspire urgent ecological action. Discover how ancient wisdom meets today’s environmental challenges—and why hope begins with faith.

Dr. Richard Ezike of Argonne National Labs discusses his work in transportation and energy equity within the faith community.

Dr. Jairo Garcia of Georgia Tech and Urban Climate Nexus discusses his work with faith-based organization and their role in the urban climate action movement.

Professor and Associate Chair of Religious Studies at California State University Northridge, Dr. Amanda Baugh appears on this episode to discuss sustainability through the lens of various demographics as her research focuses on the intersection of religion and environmental concern.

Arun Agrawal, is the inaugural director of the Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative at the University of Notre Dame. He joins the show to talk about how the Initiative aims to transform sustainability research and practice as well as seeking to transform the field of sustainability itself through high-impact, multidisciplinary research and knowledge creation, curricular innovations and global engagement.

Join Kat and Leonard in this special episode following the death of Pope Francis as we celebrate his legacy of Laudato Si and Laudate Deum and how it impacted our work in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. From the world's first Laudato Si Action Plan to this very podcast!

WRAP is a global environmental action NGO transforming our broken product and food systems to create Circular Living for the benefit of climate, nature and people. Natasha Dyer joins the show to talk about her role as the senior behavior chain specialist for food and textiles.

CBIS Part Two! There was so much information in last week's episode that we decided to bring Jeff McCroy and Tom Digenan of Christian Brothers Investment Services back!

In this enlightening episode of the Faith & Sustainability podcast, Jeff McCroy, President/CEO, and Tom Digenan, Co-CIO of Christian Brothers Investment Services discuss faith-based investing. They delve into how integrating faith and sustainability can guide investment decisions, promote social justice, and contribute to a more sustainable future. The conversation explores practical strategies for aligning investments with ethical and environmental values, offering valuable insights for listeners interested in responsible investing.

Rev. Dr. Durley shares his inspiring journey from the civil rights movement to his current work in environmental justice.

Nathaniel Smith joins the show to talk about advancing racial equity through sustainability initiatives.

Sr. Joan Brown, OSF, is from the Sisters of St. Francis in Rochester, Minnesota, but she lives and works in New Mexico. The former Executive Director of New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light grew up on a farm in Kansas and still uses lessons learned from that time in her work in New Mexico.

Co-founder of Encounter Georgia, Drew Reynolds, joins the show to talk about his non-partisan and faith-based Catholic advocacy organization.

Leonard & Kat are joined on the show by Jalynn Webb of Imani Village, a Trinity United Church of Christ subsidiary, to discuss Imani Greenworks.

Jaime Lanier is a trustee of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation. Jaime discusses how his faith and the influence of his father-in-law, Ray C. Anderson led him to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship through the foundation.

John Mundell is the director of the Laudato Si Action Platform. John was asked by the Vatican to lead the initiative by the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, inspired by Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical Laudato Si.

Season 3 kicks off with Archdiocese of Atlanta Auxiliary Bishop Joel Konzen. Bishop Konzen is the chaplain for the Laudato Si Initiative and has a long history of love for the environment.

Joining the show this week is Francina Harrison, the founder of The Career Engineer. She talks about how important her faith is to her life and how it can inspire others in their career while also giving tips on how to find 'green jobs' that you've never thought about!After this episode, we will take a break for Advent and Christmas and will have new episodes starting in 2025!

Kat and Leonard are joined by Christina Slentz, PhD, the Associate Director for Creation Care at the Catholic Diocese of San Diego. Dr. Slentz talks about how she works with catechists at the diocese to promote their creation care programs and her time in the US Navy!

Leonard and Kat are joined by Dan Misleh, the founder and executive director of Catholic Climate Covenant. Dan talks about his organization but also his experience of living with the locals in Alaska!

In the first episode of Season Two of Faith and Sustainability, we introduce our new co-host, although she's not new to the show, and turn the tables on Leonard Robinson, our OG host to learn more about his life of faith and sustainability.

Coming soon...season two of Faith and Sustainability!

In this last episode of Season 1 of Faith and Sustainability, we are joined by Jack Groh. Jack is the director of the NFL environmental program and a principal of the consulting firm, US Green Sports. He has the unique job of making sure some of the biggest sporting events in the world are environmentally friendly.

Ashley Morris is the Director of Black Catholic Affairs in the Office of Intercultural Ministries at the Archdiocese of Atlanta. He challenges and helps us to look at embracing environmental justice and equity.

Jerica Richardson is a Cobb County (GA) Commissioner for district two. Her lifelong love of both the environment and politics brings a unique perspective of faith and sustainability in the government.

Rob Watson is known as the founding father of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, aka LEED, the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Rob also brings us a Jewish perspective to sustainability.

Codi Norred serves as Executive Director of Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, an organization that equips faith communities and congregations across the state of Georgia to address issues of environmental justice and climate change.

Rob McDowell is a professor at Georgia State University and was one of the experts that helped write the original Laudato Si Action Plan. He is an expert on water resources management.

Jay Bassett is a member of the Archdiocese of Atlanta Laudato Si Initiative program. He is an expert in how to purchase and recycle wisely.

Brian Savoie is the sustainability program coordinator for the Archdiocese of Atlanta Laudato Si initiative. He works with parishes and schools to implement and respond to the Laudato Si action plan.

Susan Varlamoff was a key influencer in the Archdiocese of Atlanta's Laudato Si Action Plan. This week we discuss that Laudato Si Action Plan and how it is sustainability roadmap.