Choosing to Matter

What does it mean to live with intention in a world that pulls us in every direction? This podcast explores the everyday decisions that shape our futures. Hosted by Chris Luebkeman and brought to you by [Y]our 2040, each episode invites a guest to slow down, share a drink, and reflect on how they navigate complexity, purpose, and change. From creatives to change-makers, these are honest conversations that spark action and remind us we all have the power to choose to matter.

Narratives that Move the World with Ana Rold 11/19/2025

Coffee, Resilience, and Supply Chains with Ramon Schalch 11/05/2025

The Serendipity of Science with Zina Cinker 11/02/2025

Nature, Cities, and Endurance with Russell Galt 11/02/2025

Climate Extremes and Urgent Choices with Sonia Seneviratne 10/30/2025

Climate Extremes and Urgent Choices with Sonia Seneviratne Climate Extremes and Urgent Choices with Sonia Seneviratne Episode 4 In this episode, Chris sits down with Sonia Seneviratne, climate scientist, professor at ETH Zurich, and a leading voice in climate extremes. From her early fascination with astrophysics and childhood astronomy books to pivotal moments in the Amazon rainforest and now shaping global climate assessments, Sonia’s journey is one of curiosity turned into environmental responsibility. What drives Sonia’s work is a deep commitment to fact-checking reality and speaking truth at the intersection of science and society. Together, we explore her path from physics and biology to environmental science, her role as a coordinating lead author and bureau member of the IPCC - and Vice Chair of the IPCC’s Working Group I - she sees herself as both a teacher and a “climate doctor.” This is a powerful and inspiring conversation about truth, responsibility, and the urgent choices before us. 🍸 Cocktail of the episode: Black Tea 📍 The ingredients: 00:30 Tea, roots, and Sri Lankan connections 03:00 A Voyager and the dream of astrophysics 04:00 Shifting from the stars to our planet’s emergency 06:00 Biology, physics, and finding a path toward environmental science 09:00 Rainforests, shamans, and seeing the atmosphere is alive 12:00 A family of musicians and entrepreneurs 19:00 Droughts, vegetation, and the hidden role of water in CO₂ cycles 22:00 The 1.5°C report and why every fraction of a degree matters 26:00 Wearing many hats: scientist, teacher, translator, advocate 29:00 Inspired by truth-tellers and exposing propaganda 34:00 Understanding extreme events through physics and statistics 37:00 Redefining “normal”: when extremes become the baseline 39:00 The limits of adaptation and why mitigation is essential 41:00 Family, weekends, and finding joy outside the climate crisis 45:00 Net zero as a journey; one step at a time 47:00 Healthy diets, lifestyle shifts, and climate as a mutual benefit 49:00 Choosing to matter: the first step is personal 50:00 Looking back from the future: decisions you’ll be proud of 51:00 Closing reflections and gratitude 🎧 A thought to leave you with: What happens when science is the clearest voice in the room? Episode Resources: Connect with Choosing to Matter : @choosingtomatter : @choosingtomatter Credits: Host: Chris Luebkeman Executive Producer: Jonelle Simunich Guest Relations: Taline Frantz Editors: Viktoria Bacheva and Asmita Mehta Sound Designer: Taline Frantz Design and Manager: Kinny Tran-Marazza Graphic Designer: Nazaré Sarabúa Recorded at the Schweizerhof Hotel Zürich Presented by: [Y]our 2040 Website: your2040.com/podcast /episode/index/show/6add8b8e-a28c-47e5-b9d8-38718a181a3a/id/38841195

From Snowy Slopes to Climate Science with Reto Knutti 10/30/2025

From Snowy Slopes to Climate Science with Reto Knutti 🎙️ Choosing to Matter: Cocktails with Chris From Snowy Slopes to Climate Science with Reto Knutti Episode 3 In this episode, Chris sits down with Dr. Reto Knutti, climate scientist, professor at ETH Zurich, and a trusted voice on climate science in Switzerland. Here we explore Reto’s personal journey from a ski village in the Bernese Alps to becoming a leading figure in global climate modeling and science communication. Through stories of mountaineering, margaritas in Colorado, and early inspirations in physics, Reto shares what drives his work: not just understanding climate change, but helping society make meaningful, informed decisions. Together, we discuss the complexity of climate modeling, the tensions between science and advocacy, and what it means to “choose to matter” in a world that urgently needs collective action. This is a deeply thoughtful and hopeful conversation about science, trust, and finding clarity in a time of global uncertainty. 🍸 Cocktail of the episode: Margarita 📍 The ingredients: 00:30 Welcome and favorite drink 00:59 Memories of Colorado and cultural connection 02:11 Growing up in the Swiss Alps 03:16 Early academic interests and discovering physics 04:43 Entry into climate science and working with Thomas Stocker 11:58 Modeling climate change: from box models to complex systems 15:10 What we’ve learned—and still don’t know—about climate impacts 22:56 Science, politics, and the limits of advocacy 25:45 The fine line between scientific facts and opinion 28:00 The challenge of communicating complexity in a simplified world 29:35 What inspires hope, and what does not in today’s climate landscape 33:26 The role of individual vs. political action in driving change 36:16 Why net zero demands more than technology 39:20 We can’t afford to stay in the sleeping bag: on taking action 43:04 What it means to matter as a scientist in society 50:58 Reflections on choosing to make a difference 🎧 A thought to leave you with:What role will trust in science play as we experience a warming world? Episode Resources: Connect with Choosing to Matter: @choosingtomatter : @choosingtomatter Credits: Host: Chris Luebkeman Executive Producer: Jonelle Simunich Guest Relations: Taline Frantz Editors: Viktoria Bacheva and Asmita Mehta Sound Designer: Taline Frantz Design and Manager: Kinny Tran-Marazza Graphic Designer: Nazaré Sarabúa Recorded at the Schweizerhof Hotel Zürich Presented by: [Y]our 2040 Website: your2040.com/podcast /episode/index/show/6add8b8e-a28c-47e5-b9d8-38718a181a3a/id/38831860

Workforce Innovation and Equity with Cynthia Hansen 10/30/2025

Workforce Innovation and Equity with Cynthia Hansen 🎙️ Choosing to Matter: Cocktails with Chris Workforce Innovation and Equity with Cynthia Hansen Episode 2 In this episode, Chris sits down with Cynthia Hansen - Managing Director of the Innovation Foundation empowered by the Adecco Group, and a change-maker in global workforce inclusion. Together, they explore Cynthia’s journey from her first job at a veterinary office to teaching in Japan, leading initiatives at the World Economic Forum, and now steering a foundation that pushes the boundaries of corporate philanthropy. Along the way, Cynthia shares how her personal story - from growing up in a multicultural family on the U.S.A. West Coast to raising trilingual children in Switzerland has shaped her vision for a more inclusive and opportunity-rich future. She reflects on the art of balancing professional ambition with personal fulfillment, the power of small actions, and why embracing both grit and humanity is essential for leadership. This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about purpose, agency, and crafting a legacy that truly matters in a complex, interconnected world. 📍 The ingredients: 00:30 Welcome and favorite drink 02:23 Early career beginnings: veterinary office to convalescent hospital 06:16 Leading the Innovation Foundation and redefining corporate philanthropy 10:58 Family transitions, trilingual kids, and life in Switzerland 12:24 Career pivots: from aspiring vet to professor to global leader 16:19 International experiences and lessons from Japan 18:12 Designing with, not for communities 22:02 Conversations with her kids on stereotypes and identity 22:56 Hopes for future generations and climate-conscious living 23:45 Making high-stakes choices as a CEO 26:27 What inspires change and what keeps her going 27:30 Books that leave a mark: from India to leprosy to social change 30:22 Technology, AI, and the “serendipity engine” 34:30 Looking ahead to 2050: challenges, hope, and self-correcting systems 37:04 Balancing life, leadership, and letting go of what doesn’t matter 41:58 Lessons learned and staying true to a personal North Star 🍸 Cocktail of the episode: Cosmopolitan 🎧 A thought to leave you with: How do we create systems that unlock human agency? Episode Resources: Connect with Choosing to Matter : @choosingtomatter : @choosingtomatter Credits: Host: Chris Luebkeman Executive Producer: Jonelle Simunich Guest Relations: Taline Frantz Editors: Viktoria Bacheva and Asmita Mehta Sound Designer: Taline Frantz Design and Manager: Kinny Tran-Marazza Graphic Designer: Nazaré Sarabúa Recorded with our partners at the Schweizerhof Hotel Zürich Presented by: [Y]our 2040 Website: your2040.com/podcast Subscribe & Listen: Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. /episode/index/show/6add8b8e-a28c-47e5-b9d8-38718a181a3a/id/38831880

Ocean Swells and Systems Thinking with George Orbelian 10/29/2025

Ocean Swells and Systems Thinking with George Orbelian 🎙️ Choosing to Matter: Cocktails with Chris Ocean Swells and Systems Thinking with George Orbelian Episode 1 In this episode, Chris sits down with George Orbelian - surfer, innovator, and philosopher inspired by nature and Buckminster Fuller’s principle of doing more with less. They dive deep into George’s journey from catching ocean waves to becoming a systems thinker who embraces complexity, adaptability, and interconnection to drive purposeful change. Through rich stories of surfing, natural cycles, and sparks of creative insight, George reveals what fuels his work: not only mastering the physical wave but also helping society reconnect with the wisdom embedded in nature to cultivate resilience and innovation. Together, they explore the power of flow, the intricate intelligence of natural systems, and what it truly means to “choose to matter” by navigating life’s challenges with curiosity and intention. This episode is a guide to living with greater intention and less friction. From the surf to natures intelligence, this episode will inspire you to embrace complexity and find harmony in chaos. 📍 The ingredients 00:30 Welcome and favorite drink 01:50 Spring water and indigenous wisdom 05:30 Joining the Buckminster Fuller Institute 09:20 Curiosity, speed, and the thrill of learning 12:30 Early encounters with nature and surfing 15:10 Real estate, responsibility, and treating tenants like family 17:00 Wrestling with purpose and finding alignment 21:00 Raising children, growth spurts, and the elegance of human development 23:30 Letting go, trusting the universe, and finding community at Point Bonita 28:30 Buckminster Fuller’s design science and anticipatory systems thinking 30:30 Precision, measurement, and what we fail to apply to the environment 33:00 The power of integrity and the role of the individual 35:30 Making the invisible visible and respecting children’s innate genius 42:00 Exemplars of change: Tom Chi - At One Ventures 44:00 Respecting nature and women, imagination, and freedom of thought 45:30 The pattern integrity of the Earth 46:30 Flow, surfing, and being in the tube 49:00 Closing reflections on biodiversity, consciousness, and cherishing life 🍸 Cocktail of the episode: Spring water 🎧 A thought to leave you with: What can the rhythm of nature's systems teach us about navigating complexity with grace? Episode Resources: Connect with Choosing to Matter : @choosingtomatter : @choosingtomatter Credits: Host: Chris Luebkeman Executive Producer: Jonelle Simunich Guest Relations: Taline Frantz Editors: Viktoria Bacheva and Asmita Mehta Sound Designer: Taline Frantz Design and Manager: Kinny Tran-Marazza Graphic Designer: Nazaré Sarabúa Presented by: [Y]our 2040 Website: your2040.com/podcast /episode/index/show/6add8b8e-a28c-47e5-b9d8-38718a181a3a/id/38830315

Welcome to Choosing to Matter 10/29/2025

Choosing to Matter

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