Two Bays Podcast

Hosted by Regeneration Projects

Business Entrepreneurship Science

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Nov 2024

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Regeneration Projects is a small business that sees Nature as our most important stakeholder. Born at a kitchen table during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdown, Regeneration Projects has grown into a B Corp and a official Actor in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The Two Bays Podcast, co-hosted by Matt Sykes (Regeneration Projects’ Aussie founder) and Claire Wild (a Kiwi consultant), explores stories of hope, grit and determination, inspiring the Planet’s next generation of ecological leaders and entrepreneurs. What began as conversations sparked at an online event in 2020 has evolved into a platform for sharing honest truths, bold visions and practical solutions. Season 3 - Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action - addresses the alarming youth mental health crisis and its intersection with climate change. In partnership with UN Youth Australia and RMIT University, Matt creates space for vital intergenerational conversations with younger and older voices from across Australia. We explore the solutions needed to empower the next generation of eco-leaders. It is an urgent call to action for decision-makers in government, business, and education.

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November 17, 2024Episode 81 hr 1 min

8. Taking it to the Top

Get Ready! It’s time to walk through the Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action Handbook together. In this final episode of the series, we’ll unpack the highlights and outline key recommendations, which we’ve already shared with Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, our Climate Minister Chris Bowen and our Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. Two Bays host Matt Sykes is joined by Vasil Samarjiev, the Chief Youth Representation Officer at UN Youth Australia. In a (gum)nut shell … Issue: The #EcoAnxiety2Action Handbook is out now, but getting it on the decision-making agenda is going to be difficult and take time. Opportunity: So, we need to build a Community of Support, and you’re already part of it. Insights: Together, we’re shifting the needle and starting impactful conversations, and Gen Z is building momentum as a force for positive change. The ‘Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action’ campaign is a collaboration between Regeneration Projects, UN Youth Australia and RMIT University. Join us on this journey!

November 10, 2024Episode 746 min

7. Passing on the Baton to the Next Gen

Just like Kung Fu Panda movies, there comes a time when a Master passes the baton to an Apprentice. A similar intergenerational process is happening in Australia. Let’s find out how it’s going! Jess Vize is the State Coordinator for Roots & Shoots Victoria, an initiative of the Jane Goodall Institute. She’s currently studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science at Deakin University. Emily Alexander is the Education Manager for Culture College Arnhem Land Aboriginal Corporation, working alongside Yolngu Elders such as Djapirri Mununggirritj. She has university qualifications in Environmental and Indigenous Education. Sophia Bagatsing is Founder of Friends of the Forest and also makes a special guest appearance. In a (gum)nut shell … Issue: Intergenerational leadership change can be tricky at the best of times. Opportunity: Pioneering Elders & Mentors are setting inspiring examples for others to follow. Insights: When we proactively embrace Gen Z’s ecological superpowers, everyone benefits. The ‘Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action’ campaign is a collaboration between Regeneration Projects, UN Youth Australia and RMIT University. Join us on this journey!

November 3, 2024Episode 643 min

6. Investing in Australia’s Future Leadership

Let’s talk about investing in Australia’s future leaders. When government funding and philanthropy meet aspiring young leaders and bold ideas, new opportunities are unlocked. Aru Narayan is a super passionate and proactive young tourism professional. She was a 2022 graduate of the Launchpad program offered by Youth Tourism Network and Regeneration Projects, and is now a Team Lead at Reeho Study Tours. Yee Zhao and Cooper Tealen are a dynamic duo with high hopes for Melbourne’s urban landscapes. They’re recipients of the City of Melbourne’s Youth Climate Action Grant, based around a very cool idea for soilless vertical gardens through their enterprise – Gnositukoi. In a (gum)nut shell … Issue: Finding value-aligned leadership programs & entrepreneurial seed funding is tricky. Opportunity: Fortunately, advocacy and policy change is creating more supportive conditions. Insights: Now, pilot programs have proven their impact for young people, we’re ready to scale. The ‘Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action’ campaign is a collaboration between Regeneration Projects, UN Youth Australia and RMIT University. Join us on this journey!

October 27, 2024Episode 551 min

5. Closing the Communication Gap

Getting the narrative right is critical to addressing youth eco-anxiety … We’re about to deep dive into inspiring organisational change and ways of closing intergenerational relationship gaps. Janet Connor is the Nursing Laboratory Manager in the Diploma and Bachelor of Nursing at Holmesglen Tafe. Craig Hyde-Smith is a Provisional Psychologist at Blokes Psychology having completed his Master of Professional Psychology at the University of Melbourne in 2023. Giorgia McLaughlin is currently studying a Master of Communication with RMIT University, and Co-Leading the #EcoAnxiety2Action campaign with Regeneration Projects. In a (gum)nut shell … Issue: Younger and Older Aussies are having trouble communicating about eco-anxiety. Opportunity: Confronting stigmas and overcoming fear around change will bring us closer. Insights: Learning from successful case studies shines a light on the pathway forward. The ‘Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action’ campaign is a collaboration between Regeneration Projects, UN Youth Australia and RMIT University. Join us on this journey!

October 20, 2024Episode 440 min

4. Empowering Educators, Employers & Decision-makers

We’re still navigating the legacy of COVID-19. Schools, Universities, Tafe’s and other Education institutions have found themselves at the frontline of youth mental health. Let’s go behind the scenes! - Mark Ashmore is the Principal at Salesian College Chadstone, and his school has become an early adopter of Regeneration Projects’ ecological literacy, leadership and entrepreneurship programs. - Dr Jana Menssink is a Project Coordinator at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Youth Mental Health, working closely with Orygen on research and practice to develop innovative programs and resources. In a (gum)nut shell … Issue: Youth mental health issues, including climate anxiety, are showing up throughout Australian education. Opportunity: Industry experts and researchers are gradually building capacity across the sector. Insights: A combination of strong leadership and values are showing signs of transformation.

October 14, 2024Episode 346 min

3. Young Aussies & Kiwis are teaming up for Change

When you’re facing a mammoth challenge, like climate change, you want your strongest allies by your side. For young Australians, there’s so much to learn & share with our friends across the Tasman. Pok Wei-Heng also lives in the Land of the Long White Cloud - Aotearoa New Zealand. He’s the Curator of the WEF Global Shapers Community Auckland Hub and a Sustainability Consultant at Edge Impact. Shruthi Vijayakumar also calls Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland home. As a Coach, Facilitator & Educator, she supports leaders committed to systemic change. Vasil Samarjiev lives in Tarntanya / Adelaide, and is the Chief Youth Representation Officer at UN Youth Australia and Australia’s UN Youth Delegate for 2024. In a (gum)nut shell … Issue: Social and Environmental issues like climate change don’t stick to geographic borders. Opportunity: So, when young leaders share knowledge and experiences, we are stronger. Insights: There’s a range of international programs that bring young climate actors together!

October 6, 2024Episode 238 min

2. The Stats don’t lie! Don’t worry, there’s hope

Heads Up! When you hear the statistics, this is going to hit home. But don’t worry … there’s good people doing good things to transform #EcoAnxiety2Action. You’re in safe hands in Episode 2! This week’s sensational line up includes: Maureen Pillon is the Co-Chair of the Young Tourism Network and works as a City Economy Coordinator at the City of Melbourne. Dora Marinova is a Professor at Curtin University of Technology, and like our next guest was originally from Bulgaria. Vasil Samarjiev now calls Tarntanya / Adelaide home, he’s the Chief Youth Representation Officer at UN Youth Australia. In a (gum)nut shell … Issue: The Academic and Industry research on youth climate anxiety is alarming. Opportunity: But elevating research to decision-makers is critical to moving forward. Insights: Innovations in policy, investment and capacity building are waiting to be scaled. The ‘Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action’ campaign is a collaboration between Regeneration Projects, UN Youth Australia and RMIT University. Join us on this journey!

September 30, 2024Episode 134 min

1. Young Aussies are not OK

In this first episode of the new Two Bays Podcast series ‘Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action’, we’re setting the scene on the connection between youth mental health and climate change. Our incredible special guests include: Vasil Samarjiev was born in Bulgaria and now calls tarntanya / Adelaide home, he’s the Chief Youth Representation Officer at UN Youth Australia. Charlotte Gallace lives on Wurundjeri land, is a student at Prahran High School in Narrm / Melbourne and an Organiser with Schools Strike 4 Climate. When he’s not at home on Millowl / Phillip Island, Joey Thompson’s voice can be heard stopping traffic in Melbourne’s CBD. He’s also an Organiser with Schools Strike 4 Climate. In a (gum)nut shell … Issue: The youth mental health crisis is serious, and climate change is a big trigger. Opportunity: But surrounding yourself with good people is a starting point for positive action. Insight: Youth leaders and organisations have a message that decision-makers need to hear. The ‘Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action’ campaign is a collaboration between Regeneration Projects, UN Youth Australia and RMIT University. Join us on this journey!

August 18, 2024Episode 1030 min

10. Next Gen Civic Leadership

Are you ready to hear about local political leaders transforming climate anxiety into action?! The international Swimmable Cities Charter has now launched! Inspired by the example of Paris cleaning up the River Seine for the Olympic Games, civic leaders around the world are starting new conversations about climate resilience with their local communities. Our final episode for the ’10 Steps towards a swimmable Birrarung / Yarra River’ series features two inspiring next gen leaders. Mayor Edward Crossland and Councillor Sophie Wade are taking swift action on implementing the City of Yarra’s NEW Climate Emergency Plan, helping their municipality to become the FIRST in Australia to sign the Swimmable Cities Charter. Let’s tune in to hear how they’ve made this breakthrough and its lessons for other communities! Note: Two Bays Podcast series #2 is brought to you by Regeneration Projects, the Yarra Riverkeeper Association and RMIT University.

August 11, 2024Episode 837 min

9. Let’s start with intergenerational Education!

During your childhood, did you get to play in Nature? You know, along creek lines, in gardens or even on farms. Well, if you did, you were super lucky. But not everyone gets this opportunity. Episode #9 of this series focuses on the power of education in growing the next generation of civic-minded leaders. We talk about ‘ecological literacy’ and spotlight the example of one school community that works with the Birrarung in innovative ways that other groups can emulate. You’re going to meet a young rising star, a wise community Elder and a passionate educator empowering lives, introducing: Sophie Hart, 2023 Environmental Captain at Melbourne Girls College & Environmental Science student at Deakin University Don Vogt, Coordinator, Inner Melbourne branch of the Australian Conservation Foundation Andrew Vance, Sustainability Coordinator at Melbourne Girls College We’re realising that the Birrarung is a sensational teacher! Are you ready to embrace lifelong learning? Note: Two Bays Podcast series #2 is brought to you by Regeneration Projects, the Yarra Riverkeeper Association and RMIT University.