STEWARD with Sophia Li

Sophia Li

We live in an age of disconnection — from the planet, from each other, from ourselves. STEWARD with Sophia Li exists to close that gap. Award-winning journalist Sophia Li hosts conversations at the intersection of stewardship, spirituality, and the way we live now — featuring live debates, roundtable discussions, and one-on-one conversations with the people actively reimagining how we take care of what matters. This is a podcast for those who believe depth is an act of resistance.

Episodes

  1. Jun 8

    Why We Are the Most Fortunate Humans to Ever Live, World Oceans Day with Dr. Sylvia Earle, Marine Legend

    Happy World Oceans Day! In this very special episode, we sat down with Dr. Sylvia Earle — marine biologist, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, and one of the most celebrated ocean researchers of our time. Named by the Library of Congress as a living legend and reverently referred to around the world as “Her Deepness,” Dr. Earle has spent the past 60 years at the forefront of ocean exploration, conservation, and marine science.  Recorded live at Harvard University in partnership with The Shift, host Sophia Li and Dr. Earle reflect on the miracle of life on earth and below sea, while speaking candidly about planetary boundaries, the economics of nature, and the dire state of our oceans and planet.  Dr. Earle makes the case that all wealth originates from nature, and that resource depletion has been perilously drawing down our world’s ‘bank’ for centuries. Yet, despite the challenges ahead, she shares the reason why this is actually the most exciting moment in human history.  Turning 91 this summer, Dr. Earle has spent decades diving into the unknown and coming back with the same verdict every time: this planet is a miracle, and we are squandering it. Join us for an episode that makes the case that wonder and joy are not a retreat from the climate crisis — they are fundamental drivers to solving it. Speaker: Dr. Sylvia Earle, Marine Biologist, Explorer, Founder of Mission Blue Recorded live at Harvard University in partnership with The Shift If you would like to join for a future live podcast taping, follow ⁠@sophfei⁠ and ⁠@steward.media⁠ for upcoming events Credits: Created by Sophia Li Produced by Delilah Harvey, PodHouse Video by PodHouse

    21 min
  2. 10/21/2025

    Debates: Is "Sustainability" a Luxury Only Some Can Afford?

    Introducing a new format: STEWARD Debates! Join host Sophia Li for a live debate to a sold-out audience recorded during New York Climate Week to tackle this question: Are Sustainability and Affordability Complementary or Contradictory?” A responsibly made cotton T-shirt costs twice to three times its fast-fashion equivalent. In food, organic produce can cost over 50% more than conventional options, while globally we waste nearly one-third of all food produced. And in design and culture, circular practices promise longevity, yet require upfront costs many cannot afford. The paradox deepens when we look at scale: producing “sustainable” goods for millions often means consuming more land, water, and energy in absolute terms. What sustains the planet in principle may strain resources in practice. To explore this tension, we are joined by voices across fashion, food, culture, and design, who will test not only the economic models but the moral imperatives that shape how we live, eat, wear, and create. This episode explores the tensions with access, ethics, and economic realities from personal and industry lenses. This powerhouse panel features experts from design, fashion, food, and culture: Karen Pflug, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ingka Group Hawa Hassan, Chef and James Beard Award Winner Adam Met, Musician AJR Band, Adjunct Professor at Columbia Olivia Cheng, Founder & Creative Director Dauphinette Join us for a stimulating discussion where our panelists are given the rare space to speak freely about these controversies with the help of some audience participation.  Resources: Read Adam Met’s Neo-Industrial Revolution: A Declaration for a New American Climate Buy Hawa’s new cookbook: Setting a Place For Us Read Karen’s opinion piece: It’s Time To Make Sustainability Work for the Many Stay up to date with Sophia ⁠@sophfei⁠ and ⁠@steward.media⁠ on Instagram and Tiktok. Credits: Created by Sophia Li Produced by Morgan Von Steen, Delilah Harvey, PodHouse Video by PodHouse Hosted at The Bench

    1h 1m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We live in an age of disconnection — from the planet, from each other, from ourselves. STEWARD with Sophia Li exists to close that gap. Award-winning journalist Sophia Li hosts conversations at the intersection of stewardship, spirituality, and the way we live now — featuring live debates, roundtable discussions, and one-on-one conversations with the people actively reimagining how we take care of what matters. This is a podcast for those who believe depth is an act of resistance.