Welcome to Regenerative Mindset, where we share inspiring conversations with farmers and philosophers, scientists and storytellers, artists and activists, about how giving back more than we take creates positive, life-promoting ripples in everything we do. By following nature's example, we can create healthy ecosystems for a thriving future.
Hosted by Stacy Pulice PhD, a regenerative farmer in Santa Barbara, CA with ov ...
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In this episode of Regenerative Mindset, I have a conversation with Laurel Phillips, licensed midwife, director of the Santa Barbara Birth Center, and owner of Santa Barbara Midwifery. With decades of experience in maternal healthcare, Laurel has been a steadfast advocate for midwifery-led births, ensuring that families have access to safe, holistic, and embodied birth experiences. Laurel shares her journey from an early fascination with childbirth to becoming a leader in the field, assisting at hundreds of births and training through the National Midwifery Institute. We explore the crucial role of birth centers in transforming maternal care, the systemic barriers that continue to sideline traditional birthing practices, and the remarkable health benefits of midwifery-led care, including dramatically lower C-section rates and improved postpartum support. She also speaks to the philosophy that guides her work: birth is a sacred and natural process that deserves care rooted in trust, dignity, and community support. Whether you're expecting a child, passionate about healthcare reform, or simply curious about how birth practices shape our world, this conversation is for you. Join me for this inspiring discussion about the wisdom of midwifery and why rethinking maternal care is more urgent than ever. You can stay up to date with the Santa Barbara Birth Center on their website and their Instagram. To learn more about midwifery check out the resources below. Instagram: Bad Ass Mother Birther, Gina & Roxanne, Expecting & Empowered. Podcasts: On Health, Evidence Based Birth. Website: Evidence Based Birth. Books: Ina May's Guide To Childbirth, Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition For more information on the podcast, upcoming events, projects, and more go to our website www.stacypulice.com You can follow us on Instagram @stacypulice
In this episode of Regenerative Mindset, I am joined by the remarkable Victoria Riskin, an accomplished writer, producer, psychologist, and human rights advocate who has spent her life using storytelling to inform, empower, and create positive change. From serving as president of the Writers Guild of America West to co-founding Human Rights Watch councils in both Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Vicki has continuously championed justice, creativity, and sustainability. After losing her home in the aftermath of the Thomas Fire, she founded Bluedot Living, an award-winning media platform dedicated to sustainable living and climate action. Through print and digital journalism, Bluedot is building a movement that unites individuals and communities to make meaningful changes in their daily lives. In our conversation, Vicki reflects on her upbringing as the daughter of Hollywood legends Fay Wray and Robert Riskin, how their legacy shaped her belief in the common goodness of people, and the vital role media can play in inspiring collective action. We also discuss the urgent fight against climate change, the power of community-driven solutions, and why she believes storytelling is key to building a more sustainable and just world. Join me for this fascinating discussion with a visionary leader whose work continues to make an impact across industries and generations. Make sure to keep us with Vicki on her and Bluedot's websites. You can purchase her book about her incredible parents here. Also if you're local to the Santa Barbara area, make sure to check out Bluedot's Santa Barbara Green Guide. For more information on the podcast, upcoming events, projects, and more go to our website www.stacypulice.com You can follow us on Instagram @stacypulice
In this episode of Regenerative Mindset, I sit down with Katherine Whitecloud, a revered community leader, knowledge keeper, and advocate from Wipazoka Wakpa Dakota Nation. Chosen at just 16 years old to represent her community, Katherine has spent over three decades serving as a spokesperson and leader in various roles, including Chief, Director of Education, CEO for the Assembly of First Nations, and Regional Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Her life’s work is dedicated to ensuring that the teachings and vision of her ancestors continue to guide and shape future generations. Katherine shares powerful insights on the deep connection between Indigenous knowledge, land stewardship, and community well-being. She speaks to the vital role of language in shaping our understanding of the world, emphasizing how storytelling and traditional ways of learning hold the key to sustainability, resilience, and harmony with the Earth. We also discuss the responsibility we all share in protecting our natural world for the next seven generations and the importance of youth in carrying forward these teachings. Join me for this inspiring discussion with Katherine Whitecloud as we explore the power of Indigenous knowledge, the strength found in community, and the urgent need to honor and protect the wisdom of those who came before us. To learn more about the Indigenous people and Katherine herself check out her website, the HIP Website, TheTreaty Relations Commission of Manitoba YouTube page, and visit the the Only One Earth and Indigenous Climate Action Websites. You can also read the inspirational speech by the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Carolyn Bennett, here. For more information on the podcast, upcoming events, projects, and more go to our website www.stacypulice.com You can follow us on Instagram @stacypulice
In this episode of Regenerative Mindset, I sit down with William Peters, a renowned psychotherapist, bestselling author of "At Heaven's Door," and founder of the Shared Crossing Project. William is a global leader in shared death studies, dedicated to transforming our understanding of death and dying through education and awareness of extraordinary end-of-life experiences. William shares profound insights from his groundbreaking work, including his own near-death experiences and his research on shared death experiences, where loved ones report accompanying the dying into the afterlife. We explore how these encounters can reveal death not as an ending, but as a transition filled with love, connection, and meaning. He offers practical advice on preparing for the end of life, fostering open conversations about death, and integrating spiritually transformative experiences into daily life. Drawing from his book and his upcoming documentary, William illuminates how these encounters can guide personal growth and healing. Join me for this enlightening discussion about the transformative power of shared death experiences and the lessons they offer. Keep up with William and the Shared Crossing Project on their website and Instagram. For more information on the podcast, upcoming events, projects, and more go to our website www.stacypulice.com You can follow us on Instagram @stacypulice
In this episode of Regenerative Mindset, I’m joined by Alex Katz, Executive Director, and Linda Krop, Chief Counsel of the Environmental Defense Center (EDC). For over 30 years, EDC has been at the forefront of environmental advocacy, relentlessly fighting to protect California’s Central Coast from ecological threats and corporate overreach. During our conversation, Alex and Linda delve into the unique environmental challenges facing Santa Barbara, an area once described by FDR as the Galápagos of the Northern Hemisphere for its biodiversity and rich marine life. They share powerful stories of community-driven victories, from halting harmful offshore drilling to safeguarding vital habitats, and discuss their ongoing fight with Sable Offshore. This small but highly leveraged startup seeks to restart a 28-year-old corroded pipeline—a pipeline that burst in 2015, spilling 143,000 gallons of crude oil down the coastline of Santa Barbara. Alex and Linda emphasize the power of combining legal expertise, scientific evidence, and community activism to challenge decisions that put ecosystems and livelihoods at risk. At the time of the interview, the State Fire Marshal’s decision on the pipeline’s safety requirements was still pending, underscoring the urgency of their efforts to advocate for environmental and public safety and has since made the disappointing and dangerous decision to waive the requirements. But the fight is not over - and gathering local support is essential. Join us for an inspiring discussion with two tireless heroes who demonstrate how expert legal strategies, informed communities, and empowered local government can protect our environment for future generations. Their work reminds us that the fight for our planet is not just necessary—it’s winnable. Stay connected with EDC at their website to learn more, support their efforts, and get involved through the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Website For more information on the podcast, upcoming events, projects, and more go to our website www.stacypulice.com You can follow us on Instagram @stacypulice