Getting on stage to do anything is nerve-wracking. But knowing you were in the audience at TEDxCU meant the world to me. Thank you for joining me at TEDxCU 2025 for an evening filled with inspiration, bold ideas, and—yes—an after-party hosted by TEDxCU. One Choice. One Act. – Subscribe This year’s theme was Anomaly—a celebration
Read MoreCurriculum Vitae For more than two decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of research, policy, creativity, and systems change—across sectors, disciplines, and continents. My professional journey reflects a deep commitment to ecological integrity, social justice, and the transformative power of education, storytelling, and aligned action. This CV highlights select works from my academic background, global
Read MoreWelcome to the official media kit for Dr. Matthew King — author, speaker, explorer, and founder of Our COMMON Foundation. This page provides essential information for journalists, event organizers, podcast hosts, and media professionals seeking to engage with my work or share my story. Quick Facts Name: Dr. Matthew Wilburn King Location: Boulder, Colorado, USA
Read MoreNEWSLETTER – COMING SOON
Read MoreSPEAKING REQUESTS – COMING SOON
Read MoreCONNECT – COMING SOON
Read MoreSeeing the world anew—one brushstroke at a time. Art has always been a quiet, intuitive practice—an outlet for presence, reflection, and connection. Whether I’m working in acrylics, pencil, or Prismacolor, each piece mediates beauty, memory, and the unseen layers of a place or moment. This space is dedicated to my visual art—paintings and drawings inspired
Read MoreDr. Matthew Wilburn King is an acclaimed author, speaker, and explorer whose talks invite audiences to rethink our systems and reimagine what’s possible. His background spans government, academia, journalism, and the arts; his speaking engagements blend personal storytelling with a global perspective, always serving people, the planet, and peace. Whether delivering a TEDx talk on
Read MoreOne voice. Many stages. A lifetime of public dialogue. Over the past two decades, I’ve been invited to speak in settings as varied as global summits, university auditoriums, intimate salons, radio studios, and public forums. From TEDx to the United States Institute of Peace, from Porsche’s think tank to innumerable classrooms, each engagement has been
Read MoreWhat connects the future of capitalism, personal transformation, and rainforest conservation? A commitment to truth. A reverence for life. A belief that the most potent changes begin within and ripple outward. As a speaker, I bring lived experience, global perspective, and grounded insight to every talk. Whether addressing corporate executives, students, social entrepreneurs, scientists, creatives,
Read MoreWhat if the most powerful change in the world starts with a single act—yours? In my TEDx talk, I share a deeply personal story rooted in survival, ancestral legacy, and the hard-earned wisdom of facing death. From working across the globe to battling Stage IV-b cancer, my journey has been one of confronting powerlessness and
Read MoreLanguage as Offering. Reflection as Art. Poetry is one way I listen more deeply to myself, the Earth, and the quiet movements within and around us. I write poems when prose won’t do—when something ineffable needs form but not too much, when emotion must breathe, when a truth comes softly and deserves to arrive gently.
Read MoreResearch | Analysis | Insight for Systems Change Matthew King’s academic work is grounded in more than two decades of interdisciplinary research spanning environmental governance, peacebuilding, sustainability, and development. His scholarship combines fieldwork with policy analysis and systems thinking, informing global conversations about conservation, conflict, and the future of human societies. This page features selected
Read MoreBooks King, Matthew Wilburn (Forthcoming) Vanished: A Novel King, Matthew Wilburn. (2009) Political Ecology of Mangroves in Southern Honduras: Emergence and Evolution of Environmental Conflict in the Gulf of Fonseca 1973 – 2006. Book Chapters King, Matthew Wilburn; et al. (2016) Environmental Governance and Peacebuilding in Post-Conflict Central America: Lessons from the Central American Commission
Read MorePersonal, philosophical, and ecological reflections published in literary or niche magazines. Elephant Journal ✅ United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity: What this Indigenous Mohawk Elder Wants Us to Know ✅ Eat this and Save the Caribbean’s Coral Reefs ✅ Amsterdam? NYC? San Fran? It’s likely your Favorite Cities are More Vulnerable than ever. ✅
Read MorePublished by major media outlets or journalism platforms BBC Future ✅ Why the Next Stage of Capitalism is Coming ✅ How Brain Biases Prevent Climate Action Mongabay ✅ Ecuador’s Kichwa Implement Innovative Approach to Rainforest Conservation Earth Island Journal ✅ Trump Administration Threatens US Environmental Security Daily Camera ✅ Protect and Preserve Wonderland Lake
Read MoreTrump’s Betrayal of American Veterans and Values: A Dangerous Path of Appeasement Betrayal – President Trump is betraying American veterans, our elders, grandparents, and great-grandparents who fought in World War II. He is undermining the enduring alliances with European nations that secured peace and democracy. Trump’s appeasement of Vladimir Putin is a dangerous parallel to
Read MoreOn Giving Up I just finished reading On Giving Up by Adam Phillips. Although the book isn’t written for the typical reader and uses language inaccessible to most humans, it is a thought-provoking book that delves into our relationship with ambition, failure, and the pressure to strive constantly. The book is incredibly insightful because Phillips challenges
Read MoreIt’s been eleven years since I started an experiment with no particular end in mind. In 2014, I decided to stop drinking alcohol and quit consuming sugar, carbohydrates, and coffee for six months. Initially, I chose to eliminate these things from my life for two reasons. First, I survived a rare and aggressive blood cancer
Read MoreAssad’s Syrian Regime Collapses: A Historic Shift in the Middle East December 8, 2024, marks a historic and seismic shift in the Middle East: Assad’s Syrian regime collapses, a pivotal event with far-reaching consequences for Syria, the region, and global geopolitics. The Strategic Impact on Iran and Russia The immediate collapse of Assad’s government has
Read MoreWhy I Eat a Single Bowl of Rice & Beans on Thanksgiving Day. Like every year over the past decade, I’ll eat just one bowl of rice and beans this Thanksgiving. It’s my way of staying grounded and grateful—especially when many Americans struggle to afford Thanksgiving Day meals. Importantly, I acknowledge my privilege of choosing
Read MoreWhy Trump’s Appeal Endures: Reflections on America’s Unresolved Divide As Donald Trump approaches his second inauguration, America faces a reckoning with a reality that, in many ways, echoes the events of 2016 – Trump’s working class appeal. When Trump was first elected, I was among those shocked by the idea of a wealthy, nativist Republican
Read MoreHappy Halloween! Celebrating Halloween’s Mental Health Benefits Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy; it’s a joyful celebration of connection and creativity. It’s easy to overlook Halloween’s mental health benefits, but dressing up, having fun, and connecting with friends can provide real mental health benefits. In the rush of everyday responsibilities, it’s easy to
Read MoreThe future of capitalism and empowerment, by Matthew King By Daily Camera guest opinion | Boulder Daily Camera PUBLISHED: October 26, 2024 at 5:00 a.m. The Future of Capitalism and Empowerment. As we face a pivotal moment in history, Americans grapple with unprecedented challenges: rising inequality, environmental degradation, and the rapid transformation of our economy
Read MoreOn the Future of Capitalism Capitalism must adapt to thrive in today’s world, alumnus says. Check out the University of Tulsa’s article about my visit between October 9th and 11th. It was an honor and privilege to return to my undergraduate alma mater. While there, I gave a keynote speech on Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, and the
Read MoreThursday, October 10, 2024 @ 6 p.m. University of Tulsa, Collins College of Business, ONEOK Auditorium 2900 E 5th St. Tulsa, OK 74104 Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, and the Future of Capitalism I’m thrilled to return to my hometown and undergraduate Al ma mater, the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma, over my 50th birthday week to discuss the
Read MoreReimagining systems through empowerment, ethics, and ecological consciousness. TEDxCU: One Choice. One Act. One Person. April 5, 2025 | TEDxCU | Macky Auditorium, Boulder, CO As part of TEDxCU’s “Anomaly” theme, I was invited to speak on how capitalism must evolve to survive and serve. In this talk, I explore: The deep psychological and
Read MoreSo, we were hiking around heaven, deciding to nap beneath the cascading falls flowing over Earth’s bosom, when the immensity of the cosmos slowly swallowed me whole like a snail devouring a mushroom. Calypso Cascades, Wild Basin, Rocky Mountain National Park
Read MoreIt was an honor to moderate the V.I.P. pre-screening of a new documentary film while sharing the stage with Jordan Campbell, Director of Ukraine Under Fire, and Michael Herbener, the film’s Editor. A film about war and resilience, Ukraine Under Fire is a documentary project of the COMMON Foundation produced by Ramro Global in association
Read MoreThe fate of Ukraine mirrors the fate of Western democracy As the CEO of the COMMON Foundation and as a Marshall Memorial Fellow, I had the unique opportunity to travel to five European nations a few weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. The solidarity was and remains papable. We must not abandon our brothers
Read MoreBocas del Toro, Panama – Rainforest, Coral Reef, and Mangrove Forests Discover one of Central America’s most diverse ecosystems – rainforest, coral reefs, and mangrove forests. From the lush embrace of the tropical rainforest to the kaleidoscopic wonder of the coral reefs and the tangled mysteries of the mangrove forests, this land and sea is
Read MoreHere are my 10 goals for 2024 as I look ahead into the New Year. 1. Love. Always. Love. 2. Be. Now. Always. Center conscious awareness on being in the moment, now, right now. 3. Focus. Focus on creation – writing, painting, photographing, sculpting, acting, and creating in all possible ways. 4. Meditate. Consistently meditate
Read MoreI enjoyed this interview focused on my creative endeavors conducted by CanvasRebel, an L.A.-based magazine creating “a space for artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs to learn from their peers through the magic and power of storytelling.” The interviewer, Angela Rivera, peeled back some of the layers of my life, my creative journey, and the unseen realms
Read MoreWhile the debates on artificial intelligence (AI) often frame it as a potential scourge on human society that could destroy the planet and the human species, here is a counter-narrative that deserves urgent attention. In our preoccupation with hypothetical AI-driven apocalypses, we risk overlooking the tangible harm we are already causing our world and ourselves.
Read MoreBy Matthew Wilburn King – Features Correspondent – BBC Future – 26th May 2021 Why the Next Stage of Capitalism is Coming It’s done so much for human well-being, but it’s far from perfect. Will capitalism as we know it evolve into something new? Nearly 250 years ago, the economist and philosopher Adam Smith wrote
Read MoreGood Morning Europe – Lena Roche, Euronews’ Editor-in-Chief interviews Dr. Matthew King. Why is it so difficult for us to change in the context of COVID19 and climate change? Story Description – Good Morning Europe Euronews’s Lena Roche has been exploring how changing conditions are changing lifestyles, but not necessarily changing attitudes in this
Read MoreEcuador’s Kichwa implements an innovative approach to rainforest conservation. In the face of multiple threats, a group of indigenous Amazonian Kichwa smallholder farmers have organized a cooperative, Ally Guayusa, for conservation. Through a unique combination of market-based approaches to conservation and traditional agroforestry practices, they are diversifying their sources of income while protecting the Amazon
Read MoreIf you need proof that love and creativity equate to resilience, meet Shelbie Rassler. Rassler is the 22-year-old up-and-coming classical composer who produced, arranged, and edited this viral video based on the original music of Burt Bacharach and Hal David for Virtual Orchestra (1965), “What the World Needs Now.” Over 2 million people have viewed
Read MoreOne of the few all-poetry bookstores in the U.S. is located right here in Boulder – Innisfree Poetry, Bookstore, and Cafe. By Matthew Wilburn King Brian Buckley and Katherine Hunter opened Innisfree Poetry Bookstore & Café—named after William Butler Yeats’ “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”—in 2010, and quickly expanded the business footprint on University Hill.
Read MoreDragons owner, Reed Harwood, is making what was once mythical exploration a possibility for all kids By Matthew Wilburn King When Malia Obama set out to explore the Andes in 2016, she chose a Boulder-based company, Where There Be Dragons, to guide her 83-day gap year expedition through Bolivia and Peru. Providing unique programs for
Read MoreExperiences in Community – MindTravel I wept three times on Monday evening. I didn’t know what to expect when I joined MindTravel with the people in this photograph at Realization Point trailhead in Boulder, Colorado. Together, we were a group of strangers taking a unique journey that combined a hike in nature with silence, a
Read MoreSaint-Paul de Vence, France: My wife and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary on the French Riviera and in Paris this summer. The experience was filled with sun, art, beaches, culture, great food, and music. The journey was romantic, serendipitous in moments, and it was a delight to spend so much time with the love
Read MoreBBC Future | Comments Analysis | Climate Change | Psychology Cognitive biases that ensured our initial survival now make it difficult to address long-term challenges that threaten our existence, like climate change. But they can help us too. We know that climate change is happening. We also know that it’s the result of increased carbon
Read MoreOp-Ed Daily Camera: Late last year, Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks put forward a development proposal for Wonderland Lake, a wildlife sanctuary located in North Boulder, that would have built structures on the water and throughout the sensitive wetland. An overwhelming majority of Boulder’s citizens rejected those plans. Instead, the community vocalized support for
Read MoreA psychological, ecological, and metaphysical journey into the unknown—the unseen. Set deep in the Peruvian Amazon, Vanished is a contemporary dystopian novel that follows the surreal unraveling of the human-made world through the eyes of Hermes, a journalist on assignment. When every material object suddenly disappears, leaving no trace of civilization, Hermes and his fellow
Read MoreLifelong Learning. Global Insight. Purposeful Impact. Throughout my academic and professional life, I’ve mentored emerging leaders, taught across four continents, and advised individuals and organizations committed to systems change. My work bridges theory and practice, empowering people to lead with greater awareness, creativity, and purpose. Whether in the classroom, a boardroom, or a remote village,
Read MoreI’m sitting at home in Boulder, Colorado, flooded with tears after reading a story in the Washington Post this morning: “Boy with cerebral palsy made to lie in a muddy creek as a human bridge for laughing schoolmates.” My older brother suffers a form of Ataxia called Spinocerebellar Type 8 (SCA 8). He’s five years older than
Read MoreBoulder Daily Camera: On Oct. 4 the Washington Post reported that Linda Dwire was arrested on two counts of bias-motivated harassment after exhibiting racist behavior at a City Market in Rifle. Dwire harassed two Hispanic women who were speaking Spanish in the aisle of the grocery store when she “confronted them over what she believed
Read MoreAdvice to my 30-year-old self. After a visit from death saved my life, I’ve been looking in the mirror and writing a series of articles focused on giving advice to myself as a 30-year-old, knowing what I know now. This is the last article in this series, which I began writing in June 2018. The first
Read MoreAdvice to my 30-year-old self. After a visit from death saved my life I’ve been looking in the mirror and writing a series of articles focused on giving advice to myself as a 30-year-old, knowing what I know now. The first four articles in the series built upon each other and included: 2 Words of Advice that
Read MoreAdvice to my 30-year-old self. After looking in the mirror, I wrote a series of articles focused on giving advice to myself as a 30-year-old, knowing what I know now. The first was “2 Words of Advice that can help us at Every Stage of Life and focused on this advice: “know thyself.” The second was “How to Practice
Read MoreAdvice to my 30-year-old self. After looking in the mirror, I wrote a series of articles focused on giving advice to myself as a 30-year-old, knowing what I know now. The first was “2 Words of Advice that can help us at Every Stage of Life and focused on this advice: “know thyself.” The second was “How to Practice
Read MoreAs the Mohawk Elder stood strong, his eyes connected directly with those in the room. His gaze was invigoratingly exhausted as if a deep spiritual lamentation were embedded in each word that he spoke. His Anglicized name is Charlie Patton, but he is traditionally known as Otsi’tsaken:ra (Speckled Flower, Bear Clan), from the Kanien’keha:ka Community of Kahnawake,
Read MoreAdvice to my 30-year-old Self. After looking in the mirror, I wrote a series of articles focused on giving advice to myself as a 30-year-old, knowing what I know now. The first was 2 Words of Advice that can help us at Every Stage of Life and focused on this advice: “know thyself.” The reason I began with “know
Read MoreAdvice to my 30-year-old Self. I’m looking in the mirror as I write a series of articles focused on giving advice to myself as a 30-year-old. The advice I’m giving is applicable to anyone at any age, male or female. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing about it. Here we
Read MoreIn May, I was in Miami and had a chance to visit the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, which had an exhibit on coral reefs, mangroves, and sea grass ecosystems. As I explored the exhibit, I saw the beautiful and invasive lionfish on display in an aquarium. (Here’s what a lionfish looks like.) Lionfish are native to
Read MoreIn 2008, after spending 23 years serving the World Bank as the lead information technology specialist, Rob Schware was headed to prison. It wasn’t just any prison; it was San Quentin State Prison, notorious for housing some of the most violent criminals in America. The Boulder resident didn’t know what to expect when he first
Read MoreWho isn’t familiar with the band U2? This is clearly a rhetorical question, given that loads of people know this band that has been together since 1976, producing albums and epic concerts that have drawn people from around the world—and over multiple generations. I’m headed to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where U2 is about to open their “Experience
Read MoreWhy do any of us spend time and energy attempting to live more mindfully? When I ask myself this question, I naturally gravitate to the conclusion: I want to be happy. Inevitably, I then ask: what does it mean to be happy? Is happiness, like mindfulness, intangible? And if we found happiness, would we even know it?
Read MoreOn March 20th, the equinox signaled spring’s arrival—and with spring, comes love. The vernal equinox is particularly special to me as it’s also my wedding anniversary. This year, my wife and I celebrated 10 years of marriage. We chose this day for our marriage because the equinox signifies balance—day and night are of equal length
Read MoreWhen American kids were needlessly gunned down at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida because our politicians have continued to fail to address the underlying issues of gun violence in America, I ran into a challenge. I couldn’t find the words to describe how I felt about the incident, nor could I find the language to convey
Read MoreI went to the University of Colorado campus on a snowy Monday evening on February 19th to listen to Dr. Paul Carrese’s talk on “Tocqueville’s Philosophy of Moderation and America’s Need to Rediscover It.” Dr. Carrese is the Director of the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership at Arizona State University. His lecture covered
Read MoreAs climate change increasingly threatens cities with sea level rise, we’re in desperate need of innovative solutions. On Saturday, February 3 the World Premiere of the documentary film, “Ocean Cities: Exploring Our Connection to the Seas” took place at eTown Hall in Boulder, Colorado. The film explores cities, their relationship to the ocean, and the challenges we
Read MoreIf you’ve never listened to U2, Luciano Pavarotti, and Brian Eno perform “Miss Sarajevo,” I’d highly recommend watching this video and listening to it now. This song was in protest to Slobodan Milosevic’s slaughter of the people in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s—eons ago for younger generations. It only took a few years for him to create the
Read MoreAmerica’s alliances strengthen our nation and our freedom I’ve traveled to over 40 countries on this planet and lived in five. The only sh*thole is Donald Trump’s mouth. On behalf of America, my deepest apologies to our allies and friends who live, work, fight and struggle in over 120 countries on Earth for the cause
Read MoreI’ve traveled to over 40 countries on this planet and have lived in five. The only sh*thole is Donald Trump’s mouth. His racist comments that African, Central American, and Caribbean nations are sh*tholes should disturb everyone. On behalf of the United States, my deepest apologies to our allies and friends who live, work, fight, and
Read MoreIt’s that time of year to set our intentions, let go of the old, make room for the new, and, of course, make New Year’s resolutions. This year, I’d like to encourage readers to do something different, life changing. Write a secret dream biography. Why? As a cancer patient, I nearly died after being diagnosed
Read MoreOver the last few weeks, there has been more attention focused on social media use and addiction. The attention is the result of several people behind our ubiquitous social media platforms coming forward to talk about the way sites are designed and the impacts of their use. You may have read that Chamath Palihapitiya, former vice
Read MoreFacebook, Twitter, Instagram, and nearly every other social networking platform are designed to exploit our weaknesses as humans. Specifically, they use self-relevant information that promotes our natural narcissistic tendencies. They know we have a strong need to be seen, to feel connected, and to belong, so they exploit this fact to keep us coming back. They’re creating addicts.
Read MoreAfter Alabama’s special election to replace Jeff Sessions’ former Senate seat, the vote came down to the wire, and the Democratic candidate Doug Jones won by a narrow margin. I’ve never been so excited to use idiomatic expressions related to a horse when writing about politics. So, hold onto your riggin’ and don’t get bucked!
Read MoreTread lightly on the days stretched out ahead of you. Leave as little mark as possible on your own ego self. Let the light from within enclose each day. And when it is finished, Blow it away as you would a soap bubble And move forward unencumbered By old memories, mistakes, and successes. This is
Read MoreI’m only eating this single bowl of organic wild rice and beans on this Thanksgiving Day. Most Americans, however, will be sitting around the table with family and friends eating turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, and gravy with all of the traditional trimmings that come with this federal holiday established by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. While I’m
Read MoreNutella fans are going nuts and it’s not because they’re gobbling up the hazelnuts in Nutella. Ferrero SpA, the Italian company that makes Nutella—the creamy hazelnut and chocolate spread that Europeans, and some Americans gobble up daily, changed its recipe. However, the change in recipe isn’t why fans of Nutella should be going nuts. It’s the
Read MoreSpiritual atheism offers a way for atheists to explore spirituality without the belief in deities. My atheist friend is one such seeker and doesn’t commit to any religious belief system or institution, yet he considers himself spiritual. However, he has yet to find a way to sufficiently explain how he can be both an atheist
Read MoreGive up painting, or go to war! This was the choice Claude Monet’s father gave him in 1861 when he was 21 years old. Disillusioned with his son’s early choice to be an artist, a painter, Monet’s dad offered him a chance to avoid the draft into the French military’s First Regiment of African Light
Read MoreBoth consumers and corporations are to blame for environmental problems; however, the burden of addressing environmental problems rests on the shoulders of citizens and consumers. Consumers are to blame for environmental problems because a consumer can choose—or refuse—to buy a product or a service from a company that creates it. Consumers are also blamed because
Read MoreAs President Donald Trump defends white supremacists, white nationalists, Neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan, and the Alt-Right’s detestable ideology and violent actions, Americans seek alternative ways to resist, protest, and renounce the hate-filled vitriol of the far-right Neo-Nazis in America. The solution is nonviolent action. The candlelight vigil that was held in Charlottesville, Virginia on Wednesday evening
Read MoreHow to Ride your Spirit Animal to your Dreams: Aspen Art Festival 2017. When Johnnie Grinder sold everything he owned, threw a saddle on his own spirit animal, the chameleon, loaded up his suitcases, and then jumped on his spirit animal to ride into his future, he couldn’t foresee the magic that would soon unfold. After nearly two
Read MoreI do not know a single soldier, intelligence official, diplomat, or public servant who has ever asked their fellow American soldiers, or colleagues, whether or not they are Democrat, Republican, or Independent before standing together in defense of the Constitution of the United States of America, or our shared values. Solemnity is present for anyone
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Read MoreI had the opportunity to write on Yoga, Global Sustainability and Personal Transformation with B.K. Bose, Executive Director of the Niroga Institute, and Rob Schware, Executive Director of the Give Back Yoga Foundation in 2014. It was a timely article. Soon after its publication, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was at the UN General Assembly and
Read MoreIf you want to take action right now to resist our new president and the distorted economic system that perpetuates inequality, then move your money from a bank to a credit union. Why a credit union versus a bank? Read more here . . . https://www.elephantjournal.com/2017/01/a-painless-way-to-rebel-against-the-current-political-situation-in-america/
Read MoreNature: When I think of you I’m absorbed; Affection moves me, making me feel alive; Always amazed by my deep appreciation for you, astonished and aroused; Intensely fascinated and free simply because you’re so calming, you fulfill me. With you, I’m giggly and glad, gloriously glowing; Enjoying your good humor and gracious ways; Gratified by
Read MoreThe Donald Trump fueled Republican assault on ethics is a huge warning sign that Americans should be alert to rampant corruption during the Trump Administration’s reign. The attack on Walter M. Shaub Jr., Director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) is a frightening sign that the GOP and Trump threaten democratic governance and the
Read MoreCan yoga and mindfulness really reverse climate change? If you are rolling your eyes just reading this question, read on! It is no longer a matter of scientific dispute that climate change poses real challenges for current and future generations and impacts of the changing climate on weather patterns are already evident in most regions of the globe. Today,
Read MoreThe Parties to the United Nations (U.N.) Convention on Biological Diversity met in Cancun, Mexico, for the most recent round of negotiations December 2 – 17, 2016. The Biodiversity Treaty seeks to protect and conserve the variety of life on Earth, or what governments, civil society organizations and academics refer to as biological diversity. While in Cancun during the 13th Convention
Read MoreWe are quickly approaching the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States. Having grown up in a white working class neighborhood dominated by oil refineries, commercial freight trains, landfills and waste water treatment facilities in West Tulsa, Oklahoma, I know the mindset and feelings of the white working class who voted for Trump
Read MoreCreativity has been my constant companion—a way of exploring meaning, making sense of the world, and reconnecting with what matters most. Over the years, my creative work has taken many forms: writing, photography, painting, performance, and film. I’ve shared stories through global talks and publications, exhibited visual work, and collaborated with communities and creatives across
Read MoreExploring our shared world—one connection, story, and lesson at a time. Over the past thirty years, I’ve traveled to more than 45 countries, lived in five, and studied in four. Each journey is driven by curiosity, purpose, and the desire to better understand our planet and each other. My travels are not for escape but
Read MorePhotography, for me, is not about perfection. It’s about presence. Each image is a small act of attention—a quiet offering to the world. Photography is one of the simplest, most profound ways I connect to the world around me. Whether walking through a misty forest, exploring a faraway city, or standing quietly in my backyard,
Read MoreIncubating purpose-driven ideas. Empowering creative leaders to benefit people, the planet, and peace. Founded in 2007, Our COMMON Foundation was born from a simple but powerful vision: creativity, compassion, and systems thinking could change the world. Over the past 17 years, I’ve led the foundation as CEO, raising over $5 million and guiding a diverse
Read MoreMatthew King Acting Resume Acting is not my profession—it’s a passion. It keeps me grounded in the moment, connected to my body, and curious about the human condition. Whether it’s Shakespeare, Sartre, or a short indie film, I approach each role as a way to listen, feel, and discover something new about myself, others, and
Read MoreI speak to awaken, challenge, and connect. From TEDx stages to university lecture halls, from community gatherings to global forums, I’ve spent the past two decades speaking on what matters most—our connection to each other, to nature, and to the deeper currents shaping the human journey. Whether addressing the evolution of capitalism, ecological ethics, inner
Read MoreI teach to ignite curiosity, deepen critical thinking, and empower students to turn ideas into action. My classrooms are dynamic spaces where argument, analysis, and storytelling meet. Across three continents—North America, Europe, and Latin America—I’ve taught courses in sustainability, environmental studies, ethics, geography, development, social entrepreneurship and innovation, and discourse analysis. I adapt to diverse
Read MoreIt was an honor to be a contributing author to Governance, Natural Resources, and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding and serve as a Founding Member of the Environmental Peacebuilding Association, which is focused on developing, managing, and sharing knowledge on environment, conflict, and peace. The Volume on Governance, Natural Resources, and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding was launched in Washington D.C. in 2016
Read MoreDeep Nature Journey Yesterday I had the privilege of taking my Environmental Studies students from the University of Colorado, Boulder on a nature solo with Bud Wilson, the Founder of Deep Nature Journeys. The students are members of the Sustainability and Social Innovation Residential Academic Program at CUBoulder. Throughout the course of the semester, students
Read MoreThis morning President Obama announced his nominee for the vacant seat on the Supreme Court of the United States. I was asked the following question in relation to this topic yesterday. “Is diversity what we actually seek in a Supreme Court Justice, or is it knowledgeable interpretation of our nation’s Constitution?” Knowledgeable interpretation of our
Read MoreI empower people through writing, speaking, and advising to benefit people, the planet, and peace. Take a moment, explore: Speaking & Media Advising Teaching UPCOMING EVENT: TEDxCU Saturday, April 5, 2025, Macky Auditorium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Read MoreWhere ideas become action, and action serves a higher purpose. I’ve launched and led initiatives that intersect environmental sustainability, human resilience, creativity, and systems change throughout my life and career. These projects span genres and sectors—from founding a global nonprofit to writing a novel, from rethinking capitalism to mentoring social entrepreneurs. Each initiative is rooted
Read MoreMATTHEW KING Author. Speaker. Explorer.Insight into action—for people, planet, and peace. Founder and CEO – Our COMMON Foundation Marshall Memorial Fellow – German Marshall Fund Curriculum Vitae I’ve always been curious about people, the planet, and what’s possible. I’m Matthew King—author, speaker, and explorer. As the founder and CEO of Our COMMON Foundation, I work
Read MoreThe Upstart Crow continues it’s monumental 35th season with Shakespeare’s favorite comedy Twelfth Night, or What You Will. The Upstart Crow has been presenting the Boulder community with tremendous works of theater since 1980. Already this season they have performed Arsenic and Old Lace and Juno and the Paycock, now they start the new year
Read MoreTowards an Evolved, Ecologically Centered Worldview Adopting an evolved, ecologically centered worldview is essential for addressing humanity’s environmental crisis—an existential challenge unlike any other in Earth’s history. This unprecedented challenge requires an evolved, ecologically centered worldview to achieve ecological balance. This crisis, deeply rooted in our values and perceptions, is reflected in climate change, biodiversity
Read MoreI’m glad to be a part of Global Chorus: A 365-Person Anthology of Worldwide Concern and Enduring Hope. I’ve just received the following message from the Editor of Global Chorus, Todd MacLean; “This piece will help to provide some great general insight on this [networked governance] important social evolutionary development. So, again, thank you so
Read MoreIf evolution seems to have backed us into a corner when it comes to existential threats such as climate change, does it also offer a way out? The failure of traditional human governance institutions to come to grips with climate change—to perceive the threat, formulate a coherent and flexible response, and then enact it with
Read MoreOctober 29, 2013 For Immediate Release: COMMON Foundation joins the NoCo Farm Flood Relief Coalition to support fundraising and relief efforts for farmers, landowners and ranchers. Boulder County, Colo. – October 29, 2013 – As a part of their mutual commitment to local farming communities and the environment the COMMON Foundation (formerly Living GREEN Foundation)
Read MoreThe Entrepreneur’s Foundation of Colorado, the Futurity Foundation’s Living Green Network, and Mocavo are hosting a roof deck bash on Halloween to benefit first-responder families and local farms devastated by the recent Boulder-area flood. Let’s rally the entrepreneurial community together and raise some money for those in need. I’ll be there to support the cause and
Read MoreOne of the main fundraising efforts is led by Foothills United Way. Spokeswoman Heather Spencer said about $2.6 million has been raised to date for flood relief, with about $600,000 committed so far through grants. Foothills United Way is working with the Community Foundation of Boulder County and community leaders to determine the areas of
Read MoreAdventure Records, in partnership with the Futurity Foundation sponsored a benefit for Community Organized Flood Relief Donate Boulder | Mudslingers A project of the Futurity Foundation’s Living Green Network. Lazy Dog on Friday, September 27th @8 pm. The event was a free, public event with all funds raised being donated to Donate Boulder. Donors will receive
Read MoreThe show, happening at the Lazy Dog 1346 Pearl St., Boulder at 8 p.m., will feature Colorado bands Monocle Stache, …And The Black Feathers, Hellburner Cult and Ryan Dart & Grandpa’s Gun. Attend and make a donation to Living GREEN Network and donateboulder.org to get a free copy of Cuvée 8. The Mudslingers and donateboulder.org are
Read MoreWe are Agents of Change for Change Agents. Living GREEN Network, a 501(c)3 project of the Futurity Foundation has raised sufficient funds for the Boulder Mudslingers. We are no longer accepting tax deductible contributions for this awesome group of volunteers. We have acquired the equipment and financial resources they need to finalize their activities as
Read MoreThere was a flurry of activity at CU Boulder despite the uncharacteristically warm weather Sunday night. Bill McKibben, an American climate activist, author and journalist was in town for his Do the Math Tour. He’s the founder of the grassroots climate campaign 350.org. In his traditionally accessible style, McKibben presented three numbers that might add
Read MoreThe words are there, smashing themselves against the walls of my chest. The door too narrow to escape, enter. Words inside and out. I can see the writing on the wall. An old chalkboard standing attentive to the minds in front. Who are they, what do they want? I can’t read them. And, I don’t
Read MoreThanks for your interest in staying in touch and receiving updates on what I’ve been writing and creatively pursuing. To opt in to occasional email messages from me, subscribe to One Choice. One Act. SUBSCRIBE to ONE CHOICE. ONCE ACT. * indicates required Let’s Connect Whether you’re a student, social entrepreneur, creative, journalist, or fellow
Read MoreMarine Policy Journal 31 (2007) 229–238 Sea Grant in Latin America? Adapting the US Sea Grant model of linked applied research, extension, and education to a Latin American Context—Is there a fit? S. Matthew Wilburn, James Tobey, Jill Hepp, Stephen Olsen, Barry Costa-Pierce Received 17 August 2006; accepted 28 October 2006 Abstract This paper explores the
Read MoreIn April 2002 Dr. Matthew Wilburn King, working with NOAA Research’s Office of International Activities (IA), submitted a proposal to the U.S. Department of State’s (DOS) Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Initiative (OESI) to assess the feasibility of adapting the Sea Grant model of linked applied research, extension and education to Latin America
Read MoreEste documento es el reporte final preparado para el Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos para llenar los requisitos del reportaje que se encuentran en el acuerdo entre el DOS y NOAA (IAA #S-OES-03-IAA-001). El reporte incluye una serie de documentos e informes que han sido el resultado de cientos de entrevistas, discusiones regionales,
Read More15 Books I Often Share 1) The Rebel – Albert Camus 2) Power/Knowledge – Foucault 3) The Human Condition – Hannah Arendt 4) The Elegant Universe – Brian Greene 5) Buddhism and Ecology – Tucker and Grim 6) The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho 7) Sophie’s World – Jostein Gaarder 8) Spell of the Sensuous –
Read MoreWriting is how I make sense of the world—and share that clarity with others. From global journalism to narrative nonfiction, essays, academic research, and fiction, my writing explores what it means to live purposefully in a time of rapid change. Whether through fact or story, I aim to illuminate our shared humanity, connection to the
Read MoreOperation Rudolph to Help Needy Kids By Danna Sue Walker Published: 12/1/1994 Last Modified: 4/25/2008 5:43 AM Thanks to Operation Rudolph, some of Tulsa’s neediest children are going to have a holiday that shines as brightly as the red nose of Santa’s favorite reindeer. Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the University of Tulsa and the Tulsa Action Group will
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