As part of Commonweal’s Omega Resilience Awards’ narrative research initiative, the Ecology Team of researchers led by Alejo di Risio—journalist, environmental consultant, and cultural strategist—set out to document emerging stories of resilience grounded in environmental stewardship, land connection, and sustainable practices across the Global South. In this conversation, Host Susan Grelock-Yusem will talk with Alejo to explore their journey and what they learned about ecological imagination, narrative as resistance, local wisdom at global scale, and the power of community. Following the conversation, join us for a live interactive dialogue with the full Ecology Research Team.

Bringing with her the traditional Aboriginal practices of dadirri—a sacred practice of deep listening, reflection, stillness, and connection to the land—and yarning—a conversational practice used by indigenous Australians to share knowledge, stories, and culture—Catherine Olweny talks about ways that art and narrative techniques allow difficult experiences to be shared.

Known for bringing loneliness and social connection into the national conversation, former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy joins host Serena Bian at Commonweal’s New School to reflect on the deeper currents beneath his work. Beginning with his spiritual biography, we explore the questions, traditions, and experiences that shaped his understanding of service, healing, and what it means to belong.

What role can art play in helping us meet this moment? As communities face growing loneliness, burnout, environmental anxiety, and civic division, the arts can create spaces for healing, connection, and hope. Join us for part 2 of this podcast, a conversation with Visiting Scholar Dr. Catherine Olweny and Host Lisa Simms Booth.

What role can art play in helping us meet this moment? As communities face growing loneliness, burnout, environmental anxiety, and civic division, the arts can create spaces for healing, connection, and hope. Join us for part 1 of this podcast, a conversation with Former National Endowment of the Arts Chair Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, Stanford Arts Director Deborah Cullinan, and Host Lisa Simms Booth.

In part 10 of the Secret Body series of conversations, Michael Lerner talks with author Jeffrey Kripal about his book The Superhumanities.