Drop me an email at joe(at)hivethrive.com

I have always harbored a passion to understand the workings of the world and, especially, the ways this knowledge can help make for safer, healthier communities. My formal schooling shows the extent of my interests. I started out with a philosophical inclination, merged with a love of science and culture, that led to an interdisciplinary degree in physics, philosophy, and dance at Southeast Missouri State University. It didn’t seem like enough so I went on for an encore of degrees in physics and applied mathematics.

It was my love of patterns that pulled me into the study of clouds at the University of Illinois (where I acquired a masters degree in the atmospheric sciences). Exposure to climate science sealed my fate as an ardent environmental activist. Along the way, I got a healthy dose of complexity theory while I explored the ways different patterns form - always with an inkling for insights into the dynamics of human communities.

Next it was the cognitive sciences. I felt the need to learn about the workings of the human mind through explorations of psychology, neuroscience, cognitive linguistics, and relevant endeavors from philosophy. It was the realization that all the great scientific findings in the world alone could do little to stave off the climate crisis that pulled me into this fertile area. The challenge is to understand human behaviors and values, especially as they unfold in our social institutions.

And yet, my love of intellectual pursuits proved shallow without placing both feet firmly in the world of real people seeking real solutions. As a progressive person who cares deeply for the well-being of people everywhere, I have struggled to balance my devotion to progressive change with the need to support myself and empower others around me through my success. Whether it was working with emotionally troubled kids at Arizona’s Children Association or helping progressives understand their thoughts as a research fellow at the Rockridge Institute, my sense of moral purpose has always been the guiding light.

Along the way, I have learned of the hardships faced by progressive non-profits and small businesses across the board. Progressives have been divided to the point of being marginalized for far too long. Now I feel the excitement of inspiration as Evan and I get to know all the great people out there paving the way for the rest of us. We needn’t labor long and hard in isolation any longer. Indeed, it is the faulty view of Horatio Algers telling us bootstraps and individual initiative will bring the glory of riches that gets in the way of our collective pursuits. We don’t have to look to such false prophets any longer. The stories we share are true. And they offer insights that can empower us all to work with others in our communities to build the foundation of lasting prosperity for all.

I look forward to working with you as we envision a world together based on compassion and dignity, a world where the wealth of one empowers our collective ability to provide for the well-being of all.