The Jane Goodall Hopecast

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Latest Episodes:

Emma Lewisham: Hope is the Beauty of Circular & Carbon Positive Apr 25, 2022

In this bonus episode of the Jane Goodall Hopecast, Dr. Goodall is joined by Emma Lewisham, the co-founder and CEO of her own circular, climate positive and transparent beauty line. Emma believes strongly in responsible sourcing and sustainable packaging and has a zero-tolerance policy for animal testing. In this episode, Emma shares her unique insider perspective on the important changes beginning to occur in the beauty industry and how her brand is leading the charge in regenerative business. She emphasizes that companies must be transparent about how people, other animals, and the planet are treated within their supply chain. Together, she and Jane discuss the transformative power of consumers that are pushing businesses and governments towards innovations that will create the kind of standards of sustainability and ethics we all deserve. Ultimately Emma reminds us that “you can be both commercially viable and a business with purpose” because that is what consumers are looking for today.

Mailbag: From Tanzania to Germany, Jane Answers Hopecaster Messages About How Anyone with Passion and Empathy Can Make a Difference Mar 22, 2022

In this mailbag episode of the Hopecast, Dr. Goodall is joined by Guy Kawasaki, author, speaker, entrepreneur, chief evangelist of Canva, and the creator of Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People podcast, as they hear from Hopecasters from around the world. Together, they listen to uplifting messages from people of all ages, careers, and backgrounds that are determined to make a positive impact on the world. Reilly, an undergraduate student at Arizona State University, is working hard to make a meaningful impact through her studies and volunteering. She asks Jane how she can make her big ideas and goals more manageable. A young girl from the UK tells Jane that she is learning to recycle and protect the trees because she really wants to make the world a better place. Verena, a 49-year-old from Germany, shares her inspiring journey of committing to a career change, going back to school, and getting her first job at a research institute to promote organic agriculture. Verena encourages people, no matter their age, to be like Jane, “stay hopeful and curious and to follow their hearts... and to find out how they would like to contribute with the change that our planet needs.”

Hey Hopecasters! Submit your own questions and comments for a chance to be included in a future Mailbag episode here.

Jenna Johnson: Hope is Companies Leading Solutions and Lifting Up Voices for Change Mar 15, 2022

In this episode of the Hopecast, Dr. Jane Goodall speaks with Jenna Johnson, Head of Patagonia Inc. Through her work at Patagonia, Jenna brings environmental stewardship to the company’s technical innovation. She is also an avid rock climbing and trail sports enthusiast. In this conversation, Jenna recounts how her early experiences rock climbing fostered a connection to nature that has served her throughout her life and career. Her passion for environmentalism closely aligns with Patagonia’s mission to integrate creating clothing and gear to help all people get outdoors and connect with nature, while investing in active work to protect ecosystems. Jane and Jenna discuss Patagonia’s sustainability initiatives and the work they do to support and center marginalized communities to lead on core social and environmental issues. Jane shares that she is inspired by the amount of companies that are realizing the importance of creating supply chains, practices, and frameworks that reduce negative impacts, while also advancing positive initiatives at various scales. Jenna reminds us that working to heal our relationship with the planet is not only imperative but it can also be beneficial for all - including the bottom line. She reflects that “customers are voting with their dollars today and they’re increasingly expecting companies to really contribute to problem solving for some of these greatest challenges that are ahead of us.”

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear an archival clip in which Dr. Goodall tells the story of the young chimpanzees Pom and Prof, who travel along a forest trail until they encounter a surprising hazard.

Margaret Atwood: Hope is The Legacy We Build Together for a Better World Mar 01, 2022

This episode of the Hopecast features a conversation between two “one and only” icons: Dr. Jane Goodall and celebrated author, inventor, and environmentalist Margaret Atwood brought together through an interview for Harper’s Bazaar’s March issue and for Women’s History Month. Margaret has written over 50 books of various genres including The Handmaid’s Tale, a renowned dystopian novel that has been adapted into a film and award-winning TV series. She is also a dedicated climate activist and uses her platform to raise environmental awareness, which is where Jane and Margaret find tremendous joint purpose. In this episode, Margaret shares her personal stories about her upbringing, how our childhoods shape us, and the importance of legacy - building one’s own legacy, building upon the legacy of others, and the legacy we create in community. Listen in as Margaret and Jane walk the tightrope between utopian hope and dystopian doom, the challenges facing women worldwide, and the interrelated urgent need to balance environmental and social action.

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear an archival clip of Dr. Goodall reminding each and every one of us of our individual power to make a difference for the betterment of the planet.

Robin Wall Kimmerer: Hope is the Power of Plants and Indigenous Knowledge Feb 27, 2022

This special bonus episode of the Jane Goodall Hopecast premiered at On Air Fest 2022. Join Dr. Goodall as she speaks with author, botanist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Robin Wall Kimmerer. Dr. Kimmerer is the author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants and the founder of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment, at The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, New York. In this thoughtful conversation, Jane and Robin consider how much more there is to not only learn about plants, but to learn from them as well. They each share the ways their mothers encouraged their love of nature and their journeys through academia. They express their appreciation for science and the value of viewing the world through an analytical lens, but emphasize the totality of the “ways of knowing,” including millenia of wisdom shared from indigenous cultures. Robin reflects on how she merges her Indigenous knowledge and scientific curiosity to create a more holistic viewpoint. Jane recalls how her own imagination was sparked through stories and a desire to observe, which enabled her to push traditional scientific boundaries. The pair also focus on the urgent need to encourage a reconnection with the natural world through stories, in order to prevent the ills facing our world. As Robin succinctly puts it, “in my own evolution I have gone from scientist to storyteller because it feels like that’s what we need right now.”

Adam McKay: Hope Is Found In Climate Action and the Community Created by Laughter Feb 16, 2022

In this episode of the Hopecast, Dr. Goodall is joined by the Academy Award winning writer, director, and producer, Adam McKay. Adam McKay’s most recent feature is the Netflix comedy Don’t Look Up, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio. The film is a biting satire ultimately aimed at the capricious and tumultuous state of the world for the last several years. In this lively conversation, Jane and Adam discuss the reasons behind the creation of the film and what Adam sees as the barriers to human action on existential threats. Jane and Adam believe passionately and emphatically that storytelling can have a massive impact on society, by letting people see themselves, while also reflecting a mirror on the best and worst of us. As Jane has said in the past, we must be aware of the facts, but the facts will not induce change. We must connect our hearts with our brains through storytelling. Adam shares that a huge reason for the creation of the film is the belief that comedy is a critical component of this connection as he believes that “when we’re all laughing together, there’s community,” and that we ultimately need to “feel emotion about what we could lose.”

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear an archival clip of Dr. Goodall discussing the initial resistance she faced from the scientific community in the 1960s and how science, as a peer reviewed process, can evolve new thinking, and did - thanks to Jane.

Mailbag: From Colombia to the UK, Jane Answers Hopecaster Messages About Solving Big Problems by Starting with a Small Change Feb 08, 2022

In this episode of the Hopecast, Dr. Goodall is joined by her good friend Ruth Mendelson, award winning composer, author and humanitarian (Ruth helped create the music for the Hopecast!). They have worked closely throughout their decades long friendship and Jane wrote the foreword for Ruth’s book, The Water Tree Way. Together, they listen to messages from Hopecasters from around the world about the ways Dr. Goodall has inspired them to dream up projects and efforts to help in their communities - proving that sometimes simple steps can make a big, positive footprint for the planet. Isabella, a 14-year-old from Bogotá, Colombia, shares that caring about animals and the environment is her motivation to create change. Louise from the UK reflects on the importance of education and how Dr. Goodall’s tireless persistence keeps her motivated in her activism. Ruth shares her conviction to be a part of the solution and Jane reminds us “how resilient nature is. Give nature a chance, perhaps a bit of help, and nature will come back.”

Hey Hopecasters! Submit your own questions and comments for a chance to be included in a future Mailbag episode here.

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ): Hope is Expanding Empathy and the Moral Imagination Feb 01, 2022

In this episode of the Hopecast, Dr. Jane Goodall speaks with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), U.S. politician, attorney, and author. Over the course of his career serving as Mayor of Newark, New Jersey from 2006 to 2013, serving as U.S. Senator from 2013 to present, and running for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 2020 election, Senator Booker has developed, sponsored, collaborated on, and passed legislation supporting LGBTQ+ rights, animal rights, climate action, racial justice, women’s rights, voting rights, food justice and system reform, while also addressing the racial wealth gap and other injustices. In this conversation, Senator Booker shares his experiences living with the community he served in New Jersey, and how elders and mentors he met along the way shaped his ethos around seeing the humanity in each of us. He also shares experiences connecting with those with opposing viewpoints and how these interactions have helped him not only as a politician but as a person. This conversation is filled with stories and moments of empathy and hope from both Jane and Senator Booker that will stick with you well after you’ve finished listening. Senator Booker poignantly sums up why hope is such a critically important tenant to enacting change and ultimately, to the work he does every day: “Hope is the active conviction that despair will never have the last word.”

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to listen to a 2016 archival clip of Dr. Goodall from a series of walking interviews in Gombe. Hear her speak about why we must return to a sense of prioritizing future generations and the world we leave behind - a wisdom she feels we have lost.

Paul Polman: Hope is Putting the Heart Back in Companies for Net Positive Change Jan 18, 2022

In this episode of the Hopecast, Dr. Jane Goodall speaks with Paul Polman, business leader, campaigner, and author of Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take. He is also the co-founder and chair of IMAGINE, an organization that strives to build net positive companies that combat climate change, nature loss and global inequality. A leading proponent that business should be a force for good, Paul has been described by the Financial Times as “a standout CEO of the past decade.” In this conversation, Paul shares his journey to business leadership and how growing up in the socially conscious culture of the 1960’s fostered in him a sense of global empathy. From there, Jane and Paul discuss new, environmentally conscious trends in business. Paul sees that corporations hear consumer and staff demands for ethical business practices and understand the necessity of sustainability and social justice. Paul’s work with IMAGINE is to help find ways for these companies to turn those ideas into action internally and within the supply chain. Together, they reflect on the effects of unsustainable production, and globalization, and consider the role of corrupt governments and systems of inequality as perpetuating major problems, like the climate crisis. Finally, they consider the hopeful possibilities, and how to replace environmentally and socially harmful industries while fulfilling the needs of both consumers and laborers. Ultimately, Paul believes in our collective ability to protect our planet and hopes to “bring the heart of humanity back to business.”

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a clip of Dr. Goodall discussing the necessity of redefining corporate and governmental relationships with the natural world.

Dr. Lilian Pintea: Hope Is Unlocking the Potential of Science, Tech, & Tools to Create a Brighter Future for People, Animals, & the Planet Dec 21, 2021

In this episode of the Hopecast, Dr. Jane Goodall is joined by Dr. Lilian Pintea, Vice President of Conservation Science at the Jane Goodall Institute USA. Dr. Pintea has been with JGI for over 17 years and in his current role, he oversees all science activities and functions at JGI, supporting departments and country offices by integrating research, analysis, tools, and technological innovation to support JGI’s mission. In Jane’s words, he’s a “brilliant and innovative scientist with a deep understanding and respect for the people and wildlife he works with.” And, one of her favorite people. In this fireside conversation, Jane and Lilian talk about his journey to becoming a scientist that was shaped by his education from all over the world - from Russia to Romania to the United States to Tanzania. Together, they reminisce on the early days of the Tacare program - JGI’s community-led approach - and reflect on how by sharing technologies like Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) and maps with the communities around chimpanzee habitats, JGI is able to create a common understanding of landscapes, opportunities, and threats. Through these tools, local communities can lead better decision-making for their own lands - for sustainable development and conservation goals alike. Dr. Pintea shares with Jane about the future innovations being developed now that will further the potential of how people and technology can come together to overcome challenges. In one example, the Gombe One Health Hub project partners with Microsoft’s Project Premonition in Gombe to better track and predict zoonotic disease spillover using mosquitoes as vectors. Lilian’s focus on both the technological potentials, tools, and realities of local knowledge advances conservation in innovative ways by “connecting scientists to decision makers.” As Jane always says, “the head and heart need to work in harmony to attain our full potential,” and Dr. Lilian Pintea is proof of that. In 2022, JGI will be partnering with Esri - a leader in geographic information system software, web GIS and geodatabase management applications - to publish a book on Lilian and JGI’s work focusing on this community-led approach called, “Local Voices, Local Choices.”

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear Jane recount the way in which Tacare - JGI’s community-led conservation approach - created a true partnership and collaboration with local communities who are the leaders of local conservation decision-making improving the lives of people, other animals, and ecosystems across the chimpanzee range.

Mailbag: From Philadelphia to New Zealand, Jane Answers Hopecaster Messages About How They Can Use Their Voices to Create a Better Future Dec 14, 2021

In this episode of the Hopecast, Dr. Goodall is joined by Ashley Sullivan, Associate Director of Communications & Policy at the Jane Goodall Institute USA, as they hear from Hopecasters from around the world. Jane and Ashley listen to energizing messages about how Jane’s lifetime of work has inspired Hopecasters to work hard for their own communities and continue in her footsteps. Nina from Philadelphia shares a tearful message of gratitude, thanking Jane for inspiring her so profoundly and motivating her to lead a life of impact. Animal nutrition and wildlife conservation student Nevan, living in Florida, writes in to ask Dr. Goodall’s advice on organizing his own conservation foundation, looking at the immense success and impact of the Jane Goodall Institute. 16-year-old Roots & Shoots member, Alicia, also writes in from New Zealand to share what brings her her greatest hope: animals. Alicia speaks to animals’ “special talent” of bringing people together and how she believes they are what’s going to get us through these dark times. This is a belief also held by Jane, who talks about how people have been connecting to other animals, especially their pets for their love and companionship, during the pandemic. Ashley points out the poignancy of how prevalent the theme of non-human animals was to this particular mailbag as it was Jane’s stories about chimpanzees and her own connection to other animals that inspires generations to take action and also, most essentially, hold onto hope.

Hey Hopecasters! Submit your own questions and comments for a chance to be included in a future Mailbag episode here.

Alice Macharia: Hope Is Communities Leading Conservation for the Good of All Dec 07, 2021

In this episode of the Hopecast, Dr. Jane Goodall speaks with Alice Macharia, the vice president of JGI USA’s Africa Programs. Alice joined the Jane Goodall Institute in 2004 as a project coordinator for East Africa Programs, and has since served as both JGI USA’s Africa Programs Director and now Vice President. Alice’s investment in supporting and working with people to increase beneficial conservation and sustainable development outcomes has created generations of positive growth for people, wildlife, and ecosystems across vital program areas. In this conversation, Jane and Alice talk about the evolution and success they’ve both seen through the use of JGI’s innovative ‘Tacare’ community-led conservation approach. Though this is something now “buzzy” in the NGO landscape, Jane began this effort nearly 30 years ago when she realized that protection of endangered chimpanzees around Gombe would fail without the partnership of local people who were struggling with poverty and inequities. The resulting approach tackles conservation threats by using advanced science, training, and funding to collaborate with communities and understand their needs. These efforts facilitate solutions like land-use planning, forest restoration and protection, sustainable livelihoods, healthcare, education, and more. This adaptive and unique approach is now being scaled in new and wonderful ways in countries across the chimpanzee range including Uganda, DRC, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Mali, Burundi, Cameroon, Gabon, Guinea, Liberia, and Tanzania - where it all began. Alice also discusses her passion for empowering young women and girls - central to JGI’s work - and how it’s delivering on making their aspirations more attainable every day through scholarships, training, and more. Jane and Alice explain that the interconnectedness of individuals, communities, and ecosystems must be considered and addressed in order to create a harmonious path forward for all. As they share, this holistic mindfulness of community-led conservation, “enables people to take control of their environment, of their lives.”

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear an archival clip of Dr. Goodall speak about the urgency of acting together to fight climate change and how JGI’s community-led Tacare program has strengthened the resilience of both the environment and the indomitable human spirit.

Dr. Evan Antin: Hope is Following Your Heart and Giving Back to Animals Nov 23, 2021

In this episode of the Hopecast, Dr. Jane Goodall is joined by Dr. Evan Antin, an exotic animal and wildlife veterinarian at Conejo Valley Vet Hospital and animal advocate. His passion for animals and educational posts have amassed him over 1 million followers on Instagram. He also works with the Jane Goodall Institute to raise awareness around the need to stop harmful animal selfies on social media, through JGI’s ForeverWild campaign. Growing up in Kansas, he was always fascinated with wildlife and the local ecosystems that existed in the creek in his backyard. Jane and Evan discuss how their inexplicable immediate love for animals as children impacted their chosen paths in life and their dedication to educating people to protect them, as individuals and as species. Dr. Antin speaks about how inspired he is by Dr. Goodall’s new book, The Book of Hope, and how the messages in the book are exactly what the world needs right now. Evan asks Jane about what she has learned from spending so much time alone in nature and Jane shares her spiritual belief that there is “intelligence behind the universe.” Together, they discuss what they’ve learned from their time spent with wild and domesticated animals and how it has changed their outlook on the world. Jane describes how she sees her role in life and in her lifelong career, a sentiment shared by Dr. Antin: “A naturalist is driven by awe and wonder and a deep desire to find out the truth.”

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear an archival clip of Dr. Jane Goodall speaking about how much the scientific community can learn from observing the interactions, emotions, and resourcefulness of chimpanzees in the wild.

Christiana Figueres: Hope Is Changing Systems and Protecting Our Connection to Nature Nov 09, 2021

In this episode of the Hopecast, Dr. Jane Goodall is joined by Christiana Figueres, a globally recognized leader on international climate action. She was Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from 2010-2016, and played a major role in the formation of the landmark climate agreement known as the Paris Accord in 2015. Today, she is the co-founder of Global Optimism, co-host of the podcast “Outrage & Optimism” and is the co-author of the recently published book, “The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis." As the world has its eyes on COP26, Christiana and Jane’s conversation offers a look at how individual action, such as small acts of kindness toward one animal species, blossoms into the collective action we need. When Christiana was 10 years old, she took a trip with her parents to the beautiful Monteverde Rainforest in her home country, Costa Rica. There, she encountered a magnificent golden toad that forever tethered her to the natural world. Once she became a mother, Christiana felt it was critical for her daughter’s to develop that same connection. When she took her daughters to that same rainforest, she was pained to discover that the golden toad that was endemic to that rainforest and was the catalyst to her deep love of nature had gone extinct likely due to the Climate Crisis. This experience, among many others, influenced Christiana’s decision to dedicate her life to addressing this existential issue. Christiana and Jane discuss how cultivating a connection to the natural world at a young age is critically important so that once folks become young adults and older adults, they remember the beauty and magic that we must systematically fight to protect every day. Listen to this hopeful conversation about how to turn awe and inspiration from nature into local and impactful action.

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a clip of Jane speaking as the UN Messenger of Peace at the Earth to Paris summit in Paris, France in 2015 about how making small, individual changes can have a big, collective impact.

Mailbag: From Sweden to India, Jane Answers Hopecaster Messages About Protecting the Natural World and How We Can Each Make a Difference Nov 02, 2021

In this episode of the Hopecast, Dr. Goodall is joined by her grandson, Merlin van Lawick, as they hear from Hopecasters from around the world. Jane and Merlin listen to powerful messages about Hopecasters' desire and mission to protect nature and wildlife, asking Jane how they can help, and how Jane continually inspires them. Jesica, from Colombia, now living in Sweden, reflects on how the Hopecast gives her hope in her pursuit of her PhD as she works to protect and defend the Amazon Rainforest. Jodi in Queensland, Australia, shares her efforts to move away from hierarchical thinking and embrace diversity in thought in order to solve environmental crises. Tina, living in Canada, asks Jane what she can do to make a difference as a young person. Jane and Merlin reflect on the power of sharing stories in influencing change, and the incredible momentum and drive of young change-makers, particularly in JGI’s youth program Roots & Shoots. One young Hopecaster from Indiana thanks Jane for connecting her to the natural world and igniting her passion for helping animals at just 12 years old, telling Dr. Goodall: “you showed me that animals have a voice that needs to be heard.”

Hey Hopecasters! Submit your own questions and comments for a chance to be included in a future Mailbag episode here.

Rhett Butler: Hope is Sharing Knowledge to Empower Oct 26, 2021

In this episode of the Hopecast, Dr. Jane Goodall is joined by Rhett Butler, an award winning journalist and the founder and CEO of Mongabay, a nonprofit environmental media organization. Rhett and Jane’s conversation offers a look at how news outlets can inform the public of the detrimental effects of climate change and environmental destruction while also highlighting the many positive stories of effective action and change. When Rhett was 17, he went to Malaysian Borneo and had a magical encounter with a wild male orangutan in the rainforest, when the orangutan stood within 30 feet of him and paused for a few moments to look at him. Rhett came back home to California and kept in correspondence with the scientists there. Several months later, Rhett found out that that same forest he had that surreal experience in was pulped to make paper, and became an oil palm plantation. This experience, among many others, pushed Rhett to take action to spread awareness. What was once meant to be a book became what is now known as Mongabay. Rhett and Jane discuss how news outlets, journalists, and whistleblowers can hold corporations accountable and encourage individuals, as well as policy action to ultimately protect our one and only home. Rhett shares stories that Mongabay has covered that keep the public informed, center indigenous and local communities, provide success stories, and have even prevented further devastation from occurring. Listen to this hopeful conversation about how sharing knowledge with storytelling can create positive change for humans, wildlife, and the environment.

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a clip of Jane speaking about how a different future awaits us, one where rainforests are prioritized and protected, and how we can be a part of creating that future.

Lisa Jackson: Hope Is Investing In Change Oct 12, 2021

In this episode of the Hopecast, Dr. Jane Goodall is joined by Lisa Jackson, the vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives at Apple. Lisa and Jane’s conversation offers a look at how businesses can, in fact, be innovators and leaders in sustainability, as well as environmental justice and action. Before Lisa became a leader in this space, she was set on becoming a doctor, pivoting after to engineering. Upon better understanding of the impacts of pollution and the degradation of the environment on human health, she combined her interests to apply them in positions as fundamental as head of the Environmental Protection Agency under the Obama Administration. Lisa and Jane discuss how positive environmental impact can be made in any industry, by every individual, and how change happens from people speaking up in their respective companies and locally. Lisa additionally explains how she is working to make Apple’s entire supply chain carbon neutral by 2030, and how though there is a long way to go, that a tremendous amount of progress has been made. Jane, who often reaches across industries to support positive actions like that of Apple, explains why it is critically important that one of the largest corporations in the world is taking positive steps forward, creating ripple effects around the globe. Listen to this inspiring conversation about how both Lisa and Jane turn their hope into action, from the tech world to community-led conservation and beyond.

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a clip of Jane speaking about why recycling our cell phones, and reducing our consumption, is important in order to reduce harm to ecosystems, wildlife, and human communities.

Dan Springer: Hope is Preserving the Earth’s Lungs Sep 28, 2021

In the very special premiere episode of the Hopecast’s second season, Dr. Jane Goodall is joined by Dan Springer, CEO of DocuSign and sustainability thought leader extraordinaire. Dan and Jane’s discussion offers a unique perspective about what big tech companies should do in the fight to make this world a better place through investing in conservation, helping employees get engaged with volunteering, and finding tangible ways to address inequality. Docusign represents these efforts by saving millions of trees and eliminating the use of billions of sheets of paper. Their DocuSign for Forests initiative has also committed over $2.5 million to organizations doing critical work to preserve the world’s forests. During the episode, Dan and Jane discuss the importance of standing together at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and how Jane has often used this approach which reaches across industries and perspectives to make a bigger difference, together. Dan has become a tremendous partner to Jane and JGI, and also even went on to create a Roots & Shoots group, as part of Jane’s youth program Roots & Shoots, at DocuSign thanks to Jane’s “amazing persuasion skills.” Dan and Jane talk about maintaining hope through trying times and the essential increasing levels of recognition and action in the face of injustices. Listen to Dan and Jane’s incredible and illuminating conversation to learn more about the responsibility and opportunity for businesses to take action by connecting the heart and mind to drive positive environmental impact.

BONUS: Check out even more from Dr. Goodall and Dan’s purposeful pairing here.

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a clip of Jane speaking about why her philosophy to “think locally, act locally” is so crucial to making the world a better place.

Season 2 of The Hopecast is Coming Soon Aug 31, 2021

In December of 2020, Dr. Jane Goodall introduced the first season of the Hopecast amidst one of the worst pandemics in our time. Finding herself no longer able to safely share her message of hope by traveling the world as she’d done for the better part of 40 years, the world-renowned activist didn’t let that stop her. She reinvented herself as Virtual Jane, and without ever leaving her childhood home in Bournemouth, England, recorded intimate conversations with humans who have dedicated their lives to helping people, animals, and the planet. Soon, what started as a way for Jane to maintain the important connections she cherishes so deeply turned into a global movement. Since the show’s launch, Hopecasters from 131 countries have tuned in to hear her speak with extraordinary people such as Dave Matthews, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, and Craig Foster. Jane also experienced the ability to connect with people meaningfully through our mailbag episodes, in which she responds to thoughtful submissions from Hopecasters all over the world. Nearly a year later, we're still struggling with the pandemic, and we still need hope. In this second season, Jane returns to continue building a supportive community that can turn hope into action to build a better world. In anticipation for this next collection of conversations, listen to the trailer to hear Jane’s inspiring voice and some of the most exciting clips from season 1.

Mailbag: From Japan to Tanzania, Jane Listens to Hopecaster Messages of Unity and Action for the Future Jun 10, 2021

For this Mailbag episode and our final episode of the season, Dr. Goodall is joined by Hopecaster and Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute, USA, Anna Rathmann, as they hear from Hopecasters from around the world to close out the first season of The Jane Goodall Hopecast. Jane and Anna listen to powerful messages about what being part of the natural world means to Hopecasters, and how they take action to protect our shared planet. To Mimi from Myanmar, living on Earth means “family.” To Dr. Kulkarni, a biologist at Harvard University, living on Earth means “ours,” as in something that is shared. Anna and Jane reflect on how different countries and people the Hopecast has been able to reach and how Jane has continued to inspire younger generations to take on climate change and animal advocacy. One young Hopecaster from Spain encapsulates what the Hopecast has meant to her and how Jane’s words have encouraged her to become an activist at just 13 years old, telling Dr. Goodall: “You're more than an inspiration. You're the voice of hope.”

Stay to the end of the episode for an exciting announcement from Jane and Anna.

Click here to submit your own questions and comments for a chance to be included in a future Mailbag episode.

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Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson: Hope Is Courage And Taking Action Together Jun 01, 2021

In this episode, Dr. Jane Goodall sits down for a conversation with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. Dr. Johnson is a marine biologist, policy expert, author, as well as founder of Urban Ocean Lab, co-host of the podcast "How To Save The Planet", and co-editor of "All We Can Save,” an anthology of essays and poetry by women leading on climate. Ayana and Jane share their love of the oceans and the forests, respectively, speaking on the complexities of their ecosystems and the differences, but also how necessary both are to our planet’s survival. Jane and Ayana talk about their definitions of hope and how Ayana translates the message of having hope into having courage and working together for the greater goal of climate action. From Jane’s lifelong dedication to environmentalism, advocacy, and studying the natural world, she tells Ayana how after all these years and everything she’s witnessed she still has hope. Ayana shares that her hope, like Jane, comes from the younger generation. Listen to this passionate and inspiring conversation to learn more about what makes Ayana say, “I think I needed a little dose of hope from Jane Goodall, myself.”

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a rare archival clip of Dr. Goodall speaking in her first National Geographic film ‘Miss Goodall and the Wild Chimpanzees,’ from 1965 about her own determination and how, despite all the hardships, “there was never any thought of quitting.”

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Rebeca Atencia: Hope is Sanctuary and Second Chances for Every Individual May 18, 2021

In this episode, Dr. Jane Goodall is joined by Dr. Rebeca Atencia, someone she deeply respects and has been working with for over 16 years. Dr. Atencia is the Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute in the Republic of Congo and Manager/Head veterinarian at JGI’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center, one of the largest chimpanzee sanctuaries in Africa. Jane thinks of her, “the mother of the chimpanzees of Tchimpounga,” a sanctuary that has housed hundreds of rescued chimpanzees, all victims of the illegal pet and bushmeat trade in the region. In the episode, Rebeca shares about how she became inspired to rescue wildlife as a young child in Spain when she encountered a dedicated ranger saving baby animals from a forest fire. Jane and Rebeca weave together how their individual experiences led them to cross paths in a forest in the Congo, and how much Jane recognizes aspects of herself in Rebeca. Today, Rebeca embodies Jane’s passion and respect for every individual animal and is helping to carry forward Jane’s lifelong mission to ensure the dignity and quality of life for great apes, in the wild and in captivity. During the conversation, Rebeca shares an incredible story of a time when a chimpanzee did something remarkable that saved her life. Ultimately, the two talk about how they find hope in the people doing the work of rehabilitation, rescue, and advocacy today, and why these innately valuable, sentient, and complex beings are so worth fighting for.

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a rare archival clip of Dr. Goodall describing the profound moment she saw Dr. Rebeca Atencia save the life of the critically wounded chimpanzee, Wounda, and perform the first (known) ever chimp-to-chimp blood transfusion in Africa.

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Emmanuel Mtiti: Hope is Communities Leading Conservation Change May 04, 2021

In this episode, Dr. Jane Goodall is joined by Emmanuel Mtiti, who she has worked with for nearly three decades. Emmanuel Mtiti, senior program and policy director at JGI Tanzania, is one of the co-creators of ‘Tacare’ - JGI’s community-driven conservation approach - alongside Dr. Goodall and George Strunden. Mtiti shares how this holistic, community-centered approach to conservation supports local ownership of the process of human development and managing local environments. In this illuminating conversation, Jane and Mtiti reminisce on how Tacare started in 1995 with just 12 Tanzanian villages around Gombe, and how today the innovative program includes 104 villages in Western Tanzania. As JGI has grown, so has Tacare with programs now in several countries including DRC, Republic of the Congo, Uganda and more across the chimpanzee range in Africa. Jane and Mtiti reflect on how this approach has provided a roadmap for the future of harmonious coexistence with the natural world. Together they discuss JGI's hope for the expansion of this model around the world.

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a rare archival clip of Dr. Goodall reflecting on the perspective she gained by flying over Gombe National Park, which helped her realize that helping to improve quality of life for people who live around the park was integral in creating lasting change for wildlife and habitats.

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Mailbag: From China to California, Jane Answers Hopecaster Messages About Perseverance and the Indomitable Human Spirit Apr 27, 2021

For this Mailbag episode, Dr. Goodall is joined by Hopecaster and podcast executive producer Michelle Khouri as they hear from Hopecasters from around the world. Jane and Michelle listen to a heartwarming and encouraging call from an 8-year-old Hopecaster in China who shares her dream of being an astronaut, and whose love of animals and nature was inspired by Jane. In another message, a courageous young Hopecaster shares her difficult journey of immigration from Iran to the U.S. and her ongoing difficulties with this issue, and tells Jane that her reason for hope comes from the story of the anemone, a beautiful, delicate flower that grows in the most inhospitable areas. Jane shares with this Hopecaster that this flower is like the indomitable human spirit “that enables us to have hope, even in the darkest times.”

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Craig Foster: Hope is All We Can Learn from Animal Teachers Apr 20, 2021

In this episode, Dr. Goodall speaks with one of her biggest inspirations and good friends, Craig Foster of “My Octopus Teacher,” an Academy Award® nominated, BAFTA Best Documentary award-winning Netflix original, and co-founder of the Sea Change Project. In this captivating conversation, Jane and Craig speak about their passion for saving forests - for Jane, dense forests on land, and for Craig, kelp forests in the ocean. Craig shares how his documentary honors the eight-legged teacher he met in a remote kelp forest in False Bay, South Africa. Craig embodies the power of storytelling by showing the sentience, grace, and intelligence of our planet’s many species. Dr. Goodall and Craig have this in common and have used their profound and special ability to connect with non-human animals, chimpanzees and octopus, to share their individual stories worldwide, motivating conservation action. About his experience during the film, Craig speaks to the hope his octopus teacher instilled in him. This conversation demonstrates what it means to use science as a tool for growing understanding, and how we can each find teachers even in the most unexpected places. *Dr. Goodall and JGI do not endorse close proximity or handling of wildlife.*

This episode is sponsored by Netflix.

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a rare archival clip of Dr. Goodall describing one of her first interactions with now-famous Gombe, Tanzania chimpanzee David Graybeard.

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John Scanlon: Hope is Ending Wildlife Crime Apr 06, 2021

In this fireside chat, Dr. Jane Goodall is joined by John Scanlon, who is CEO of Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation and chair of the Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime, of which the Jane Goodall Institute Global is a champion. Recently John served as Special Envoy for African Parks and was the Secretary General of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. John has dedicated his life to ensuring the safety and conservation of countless species of plants and animals. John and Jane have an insightful and moving conversation about the dire need to more effectively protect wildlife against criminal activities by joining forces beyond national borders, as well as work with local communities. For Jane’s part, she promotes education through Roots & Shoots youth programs and JGI’s Triangle Approach in countries like the Republic of the Congo, including work with law enforcement and sanctuaries, as well as the ForeverWild campaign. John, for the sake of future generations, finds hope in fighting for a better, more equitable world for all species. “We can't, in good conscience, leave the next generation with the system that we're living with today when we know that it's not fit for purpose.”

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a never-before-aired clip of Dr. Goodall’s speech for Interpol in 2020, urging communities, countries and citizens around the world to unite to end the devastating trade of vulnerable wildlife.

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John Simpson: Hope is Finding Adventure and Uncovering Truth Mar 23, 2021

Dr. Jane Goodall sits down for an exciting and inspiring conversation with her longtime friend, British foreign correspondent and world affairs editor of BBC News, John Simpson. They reminisce upon their most memorable and intrepid adventures and share their experiences traveling to some extraordinary places, often via single engine planes. John shares how fate landed him in a recently bombed hospital in war torn Sarajevo and how a local surgeon saved him. They both remark upon how they were often guided by intuition and courage in moments of their careers that might have seemed “jolly stupid” to some of their colleagues, but have yielded great success for both of them. Dr. Goodall also discusses what it was like to demonstrate her research on Gombe chimpanzees after publishing papers on the “Four Year War” among a divided chimpanzee group - one of the first observations of great ape “warfare.” The result was controversial concepts on innate aggression in great apes during “nature vs. nurture” scientific debates of the 1970s. John and Jane have an enlightening and open-minded discussion on spirituality, including where they find their deepest connection to life’s greater meaning.

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a rare archival clip of Dr. Goodall seeing for the first time how chimpanzees use and create tools - an insight that forever redefined what it means to be “human” as part of the rest of the animal kingdom.

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Mailbag: From Argentina to the UK, Jane Answers Hopecasters Messages About Making Space For Love And Shares Her Proudest Moment Mar 16, 2021

For this Mailbag episode, Dr. Jane Goodall is joined by honorary “Hopecaster in Chief” Shawn Sweeney, the Associate Vice President of Communications & Policy for the Jane Goodall Institute. Shawn and Dr. Goodall listen to inspiring and insightful messages from Hopecasters around the world. A young Hopecaster from Mexico thanks Dr. Jane for being her reason for hope by always making space for love and kindness. She also hears from a Hopecaster in Canada who asks Jane how she manages her mental health when the state of the world seems so negative. And at just 11 years old, Hopecaster Heidi from the UK is already taking action by designing and selling postcards to raise money for conservation, very much in line with the work of JGI’s Roots & Shoots program. Her question inspires Jane to reminisce upon one of the proudest moments of her life.

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Razan Al Mubarak: Hope is Empowering Individuals and Centering Community Mar 09, 2021

Dr. Jane Goodall has an insightful and meaningful conversation with her good friend, Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, the Managing Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. Razan has devoted her life to advocating for biodiversity protection solutions working both with governments all over the world and also with companies in the private sector. Jane and Razan reminisce over their eight years of friendship and collaboration, from establishing Roots & Shoots in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to traveling to the desert to learn about the conservation efforts started by the first Sheikh and Founder of the UAE, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Together, they discuss the importance of finding solutions that benefit communities and how modern society, just like nature, is most resilient when it is diverse. Razan distinguishes the crucial need to fight for action for both biodiversity and climate change and she shares a quote from one of her favorite authors, Elif Shafak, that echoes both her and Jane’s perspective on the future of this fight: “We need pessimism of the mind and optimism of the heart.”

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a rare archival clip of Jane reflecting on our planet's two "lungs."

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Janet Hayes: Hope is Fostering Curiosity and Sparking Imagination Feb 23, 2021

For this episode, Jane meets Janet Hayes, CEO of Crate and Barrel Holdings, Inc. Jane's and Janet’s conversation touches on unique, yet similar childhoods filled with exploration, as well as the practical aspect of hope, and the power of curiosity and intuition. Discussing Jane’s philosophy of partnering with companies for the greater good, Janet shares some of the ways that Crate and Barrel is championing sustainability and supporting the values of customers today, and how Jane continues to inspire her. The duo also share excitement over how that philosophy has come to life through the Jane Goodall Institute x Crate & Kids collection. The playful collection was designed to celebrate wildlife and the natural world by sparking curiosity in children and their families and providing a path to action through JGI’s youth program Roots & Shoots). The conversation’s hopeful energy stems from Jane's and Janet’s shared belief that these trying times can also foster the kinds of connection, creativity, and curiosity needed for humanity to form a better relationship with the natural world.

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a rare archival clip of Jane speaking with a young interviewer about her purpose and the importance of empowering every young person to be the change.

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Azzedine Downes: Hope Is Protecting Animals and Changing The Face Of Conservancy Feb 09, 2021

Dr. Jane Goodall chats with longtime friend Azzedine Downes about wildlife conservation, complex reflections around the pandemic and our relationship with the natural world, and the importance of redefining success to focus on the health of the planet, other animals, and ourselves. Azzedine is the President and CEO of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), where he works to protect wildlife across the globe everyday. In this episode, Azzedine and Jane tell stories from their years of conservation work around the world,, including learnings and ways to engage, listen, and collaborate for the good of all. They also discuss the “enchanting” pangolin, the most heavily trafficked animal in the world and one of the least known, and the importance of giving animals names to increase empathy and respect for their wellbeing.

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a rare archival clip of Jane talking about her first experiences with the pangolin on the Serengeti in 1957, a creature she calls “so worth saving.”

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Mailbag: From Dubai to Colombia, Jane Answers Hopecaster Messages About Learning from Mistakes and Creating Change Feb 04, 2021

For this first Mailbag episode, Dr. Goodall is joined by Hopecaster and podcast executive producer Michelle Khouri as they hear from Hopecasters from around the world. As she has been quarantined in her home in Bournemouth, England, since last year, Jane has been using “Virtual Jane,” including the launch of this podcast, to connect to audiences around the world. Prior to the pandemic, traveling and speaking to people from every country was how Jane inspired and was, in turn, inspired by the power of hope. Now, through Hopecaster audio recording submissions, Jane is refueled by messages and answers questions about how the Hopecast has influenced people from every age and background, after only a few episodes! Jane speaks about how she sees “mistakes” as opportunities to learn more about life. She also hears from 6-year-old Selena Marwaha in Dubai who shares her own tenacity and passion for protecting life on this precious planet, and Dr. Goodall answers a caller’s concern about how to find hope when the world’s problems can feel overwhelming. A very special Hopecaster from Colombia introduces Jane to the philosophy of “heartening,” a phrase shared by an indigenous elder which parallels what Dr. Goodall describes as, “I believe that we can only achieve our true human potential when our head and heart work together.”

Submit your own questions and comments for a chance to be included in a future Mailbag episode here.

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Genesis Butler: Hope is Empathy and Action for Animals Jan 26, 2021

Genesis Butler is a climate change activist, animal rights advocate, and founder of Genesis for Animals, a rescue and sanctuary organization. And she’s just 13 years old. In this episode, Dr. Jane Goodall talks with Genesis about her own beginnings as a young environmentalist, with both activists sharing parallel stories from the same early age, albeit seven decades apart. With empathetic hearts, curious minds, and supportive mothers, both young activists found themselves drawn to a life of advocating on behalf of people, the planet and other animals. The conversation explores what being an animal and environmental advocate means today, ways to get younger generations involved through programs like Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, and how Genesis finds hope in opening the minds and hearts of people who come to understand the profound likeness we share with other animals, and their innate value. As Dr. Goodall has shared, “We are not the only beings with personalities, rational thought and emotions. There is no sharp line dividing us from the rest of the animal kingdom. It is a very blurry line, and it gets more blurry every day.”

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a rare archival clip of Jane’s mother Vanne, her greatest support in life, telling the story of a young Jane’s disappearance as a four year old to discover where eggs come from.

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Dave Matthews: Hope Is Taking Action and Inspiring Those Around You Jan 12, 2021

Dave Matthews and Dr. Jane Goodall’s kindred passion for wildlife and shared dedication to the planet has forged a close friendship between the two icons. In this intimate conversation, Dave talks about his childhood split between South Africa and the U.S. and explains how his scientist father and early experiences inspired much of his appreciation for nature and wildlife. Now an internationally acclaimed musician for over two decades, Dave uses his platform to spread awareness for environmental and conservation issues and to support organizations creating powerful impact, including the Jane Goodall Institute. The vibrancy and passion of their conversation is sparked by many difficult questions including: What are some of the biggest challenges we face in saving life on Earth and what can we each do about it?

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a rare archival clip of Dave Matthews playing a tribute to Jane as she sits on stage with him.

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Dr. Jane Goodall: You Are Reason for Hope Dec 30, 2020

In the premiere episode of the Hopecast, Dr. Jane Goodall records from her childhood home in Bournemouth, England, where her journey of curiosity and passion for the natural world began. This is the first time Jane has been in one place for longer than two weeks in nearly three decades, and the urgency to share her message is greater than ever. In a fireside style chat, Jane shares intimate stories from her childhood, including how growing up during World War II taught her to take nothing for granted, and why she believes hope is essential to fuel positive action, individually and together, for a better world. While Jane doesn’t shy away from the adversity we face - the Sixth Great Extinction and the Climate Crisis in particular - she shares the importance and power of making space for hope, as it spurs the indomitable human spirit to take action, even in the most grim situations. Now through the Jane Goodall Hopecast, she will share stories of hope and resilience, encouraging listeners to embrace the power of every individual to make a difference for people, other animals, and the rich tapestry of life with whom we share this precious planetary home.

At the End of the Rainbow: Stay to the end of the episode to hear a rare archival clip of Jane speaking at the 'Understanding Chimpanzees' conference in Chicago, Illinois, in 1986, which was the catalyst moment that transformed Jane from a scientist to activist.

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Dr. Jane Goodall Previews the Hopecast Jun 24, 2020

Jane Goodall has always been curious - from passionate scientist to world renowned activist, her conviction and dedication to building a better world through conversation, storytelling and action is unparalleled. In this brand-new teaser episode, Dr. Goodall excitedly introduces the 'Jane Goodall Hopecast" which will take listeners on a one-of –a-kind journey. Hear more from Jane herself as she shares her aspirations for the podcast, a series that will help you to learn from Dr. Goodall's extraordinary life, hear from inspiring guests and become part of the movement sparked by Jane and fueled by hope. Join us as we get curious, grow compassion, and take action to make a difference every single day.

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