Futuresteading
This is a conversation about the future. About creating a culture that values tomorrow. We reckon a slower, simpler, steadier existence is the first step - one that’s healthier for humans and the planet. We call it Futuresteading. Each week we chat to community builders, ritual makers, food growers, health wizards and environmental wisdom keepers, gathering practical advice and epic solidarity - so we can all nut this thing out together. Join our nitty, gritty, honest and hopeful convo every Monday during our 16 episode seasons. Support the pod by shouting us a cuppa >>> buymeacoffee.com/futuresteading
Futuresteading
E28 Rob Greenfield on retiring at 25 to become a beacon for radical change
Warning: this episode with Rob Greenfield might make you want to do something crazy - like sell all your material possessions, set off on an adventure with only a backpack and faith in human kindness, or build a tiny home from reclaimed materials with your mates.
Rob is an activist and humanitarian dedicated to leading the way to a more sustainable, just and equal world.
He embarks on extreme projects to bring attention to important global issues and inspire positive change. His work has been covered by media worldwide including National Geographic and he’s been named “The Robin Hood of modern times” by France 2 TV.
Rob’s life is an embodiment of Gandhi’s philosophy, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” He believes that our actions really do matter and that as individuals and communities we have the power to improve the world around us. Rob donates 100% of his media earnings to grassroots nonprofits and has committed to living simply and responsibly for life.
This conversation strikes the balance between inspiration and groundedness, and will leave you feeling both comforted and courageous.
SHOW NOTES
- From shining his car on Sundays at age 25 with dollar signs in his eyes to dumpster diving over 2,000 times and being a beacon for radical change around the world.
- The decision to transform his life so he stopped destroying the earth
- Making one positive change every single week for two years
- Intersectional environmentalism - deeply intertwined problems and their solutions
- Building feedback loops towards empowerment and a sustainable foundation
- Learning skills to stand strong against the sweeping tide of consumption
- Finding alternatives for the things you think you need
- Holistic decision making
- Travelling the world for the same price as the annual cost of a car
- Building freedom by avoiding the minimum monthly repayment trap
- Living a life that's not so 'protected’ or ‘insured’
- The truth: a quality existence takes time, travel, eating, learning, conversing.
- Spreading excess when you have it so life is more equitable - from those who have enough to those who have too little.
- Demonetising life relies on more human kindness
- The illusion that money makes us independent
- Teaching our kids critical thinking and about relationships to thrive in a post carbon economy
- Skill sharing
- The power of needing each other
- The problems with convenience
- The psychology of change
- The value of minimising judgement and enhancing compassion and understanding
- Starting with the things which excite you the most
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