Welcome to our mini-series covering the Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit. MRSS is the largest sustainability conference in the Midwest, bringing together hundreds of visionary leaders to share ideas and solutions for a healthier, more resilient, and equitable future. The annual summit features a full day of programming, including speakers, exhibitors, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, covering a wide range of topics from climate justice and green workforce development to resilient food systems and circular economy practices. MRSS serves as a vital platform for collaboration and innovation, inspiring action and accelerating the transition to a sustainable future in the Midwest.

Shownotes

Charlie Gonzalez, from Green Umbrella, shares how the Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit accelerates sustainability across the Midwest, and its diverse program, participatory model, and focus on collaborative climate solutions. Charlie highlights the 2025 theme, "The Power of Storytelling," and the importance of sharing narratives to inspire change. He describes MRSS as a spark for connection, learning, and deepening our resolve in creating a more sustainable future. He also shares his personal journey of getting involved with the summit, emphasizing the power of networking and community engagement. He encourages listeners to attend MRSS, join Green Umbrella's email list, and become part of the movement toward a healthier and more equitable future.

Episode in a glance

• What is the Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit?
• The Vision and Theme of MRSS
• How to Get Involved with MRSS and Green Umbrella
• Green Umbrella's Mission and Programs
• The Role of the Midwest in Sustainability
• Understanding Sustainability and Climate Change

About Charlie Gonzalez

Charlie Gonzalez is the Event Manager for Green Umbrella and the driving force behind the Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit. He is passionate about bringing people together to collaborate on climate solutions and believes in the power of storytelling to inspire change.

Learn More About MRSS

The Conference → https://www.midwestsustainabilitysummit.org

Linkedin → https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-gonzalez

Green Umbrella → https://greenumbrella.org

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This is our mini series about NanoValbruna. We are highlighting an international forum that brings scientists, entrepreneurs, professors, professionals, journalists, science communicators, and especially young people to the heart of the Julian Alps to talk about innovation, environment, and regeneration. Enjoy conversations with climate changemakers in Valbruna, Italy.

Shownotes

Tania Vanzolini, coordinator of NanoPiçule and lecturer at the University of Urbino, shares how this unique educational program makes complex sustainability concepts accessible and engaging for children. The program's name itself reflects its deep connection to the local community – combining "Nano" (meaning little) with "Piçule" (meaning little kids in Friulano, the local language of the region). As one of the original "souls" of NanoValbruna, NanoPiçule embodies the principle of learning by doing, using hands-on laboratories and experiments to teach children about sustainability, recycling, and circular economy.

Through creative activities like examining cork under microscopes and participating in playful milk-collection competitions, children learn about regeneration and sustainability in ways that stick with them year after year. Tania explains how the program's success lies in its flexibility, dedicated volunteer team, and ability to make difficult concepts tangible through experiential learning. The impact extends beyond the children themselves – parents report that their kids bring these lessons home, teaching their families about sustainability practices and inspiring change in their communities. This aligns perfectly with NanoValbruna's motto of "think global, act local," as NanoPiçule uses local resources and examples to teach global environmental concepts.

Episode in a glance

- NanoPiçule: Making Complex Topics Simple
- A Hands-on Education Approach
- Program Scale and Structure
- Regeneration Through Young Minds
- Community Impact and Parent Feedback

About Tania Vanzolini

Tania Vanzolini is the coordinator of NanoPiçule and a lecturer at the University of Urbino where she teaches about biological drugs. Her experience in making complex topics accessible to children has influenced her university teaching style, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning and engagement at all educational levels.

Connect with Tania Vanzolini and her work

LinkedIN → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tania-vanzolini-2035151b4

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This is our mini series about NanoValbruna. We are highlighting an international forum that brings scientists, entrepreneurs, professors, professionals, journalists, science communicators, and especially young people to the heart of the Julian Alps to talk about innovation, environment, and regeneration. Enjoy conversations with climate changemakers in Valbruna, Italy.

Shownotes

Duccio Travaglini, Co-founder of Greencome Media, shares his innovative approach to environmental communication and his mission to transform how we discuss climate change. Rather than contributing to climate anxiety through catastrophic messaging, Duccio and his team focus on solution-oriented storytelling that mobilizes people to action. He discusses the importance of finding relatable stories of "normal people" making change and combining these narratives with data in engaging ways - what he calls turning "cold data into cool data."

As a moderator at NanoValbruna, Duccio led discussions about regeneration versus sustainability, emphasizing how regeneration takes environmental action to the next level by focusing on community-centered economic systems. He shares insights about measuring success through quality engagement rather than quantity, and emphasizes that sustainability is a journey of continuous learning rather than a demand for perfection.

Episode in a glance

-The Evolution of Environmental Communication
-Regeneration vs. Sustainability: Moving Beyond Impact Reduction
-Storytelling Strategies: Combining Human Stories with Data
-Quality Over Quantity in Environmental Media
-The Journey Approach to Sustainability

About Duccio Travaglini

Duccio Travaglini is the Co-founder of Greencome Media, an Italian media platform focused on environmental and climate topics. Currently studying Environmental Economics and Politics, Duccio is pioneering a new approach to climate communication that emphasizes solutions and positive action while maintaining factual accuracy.

Connect with Duccio Travaglini and his work

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/greencome_ita

Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@greencome_ita

LinkedIN → https://www.linkedin.com/company/greencome1

Newsletter → https://greencome.substack.com/

Green Tonic Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/7dgeH02vAlJyz3M6UR34Xq?si=887794e218404d75

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