Episode 28: Musings with Dara O’Rourke

This episode of Musing on Wellbeing examines the intersection of well-being, sustainability, and activism. Our choices as consumers shape the world around us, but how can we ensure those choices align with our values? From ethical labor practices to climate solutions, understanding the impact of our actions is key to creating a healthier planet and a more just society.

Host Charlie Bresler is joined by Dara O’Rourke, an activist, academic, and sustainability expert. Dara shares his journey from growing up in Pullman, Washington, to becoming a professor at UC Berkeley, where he has spent decades researching global supply chains and labor practices. 

Dara’s groundbreaking work exposing Nike’s labor conditions in Vietnam led to greater corporate accountability, and his creation of the Good Guide empowered consumers to make informed choices.

In this conversation, Dara unpacks the biggest challenges in sustainability today, the crucial role consumer behavior plays in driving change, and why hope and activism must go hand in hand. He also introduces the exciting Master of Climate Solutions program at UC Berkeley, designed to equip the next generation of leaders with the tools to combat climate change. 

Tune in to gain insights on how you can be part of the solution.

Musing on Wellbeing is sponsored by EH Walkers. Discover more and join EH Walkers at www.ehwalkers.org.

Charlie Bresler is a former business executive, co-founder of the nonprofit The Life You Can Save, and a self-described effective hedonist. As a psychologist, Charlie emphasizes the importance of aligning personal pleasure with doing good, rejecting the notion of self-sacrifice in favor of a fulfilling, values-driven life.