Welcome back to Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, Alta Verapaz, as we continue a special series from Guatemala, Central America. I wish I’d recorded how I came to find today’s guest. In returning to this place that was home for a few years back at the turn of the century, I didn’t know who’d still be around, alive even. I figured that my old friends Cándido Reyes and his wife Maricela, if they were still around, would be in the returned refugee community they helped set up 30 years prior, called la Nueva Libertad (the New Freedom), just a few kilometres out of town. But after so many years, I had no chance of remembering which house was theirs, an old email address didn’t work, and an old office of theirs in town was now a restaurant.So I asked around, and eventually got the tip I’d find them in the current facility of the legendary non-profit they continue to work for called <a href='https://adelinacaal.wordpress.com/'>Adelina Caal Maquín</a> (ACM) – working with women, youth, food sovereignty, agro-ecology and, more recently, a <a href='https://iebacedeco.wordpress.com/'>residential secondary school</a> in sustainable community development.Anyway, next day, unannounced and with some timidity, I went to find them. Catching up was so wonderful and compelling, later Cándido and I pressed record on a walk around La Nueva. We start at ACM, wander around the gardens, the community, its schools, its innovative cooperative set up, and delve into the extraordinary stories of their lives and this place. Emerging from the horrors of war, we explore Cándido&apos;s time as a young resistance organizer, and how he later returned as a leader in the formation of the coop and community. We talk about the coop’s enormous successes and challenges, reconnecting with ancestors, the changing face of Fray and Guatemala, the exciting food processing venture, reflections on a life so far, and his unflinching belief in what’s possible.Cándido is sharp, resilient and very funny. And out here, they’re lighting a beacon for Guate, and in many ways, for us all. Thanks again to <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/episodes/265-we-walk-out-family'>Dana ‘Patricio’ Scott</a> for generously translating and speaking the Spanish in English. Let’s head to la Nueva Libertad.Recorded 14 January 2025.See more photos on the episode web page, and for more behind the scenes, become a supporting listener below.Music:<a href='https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/salta-montes-no-drums/70061'>Salta Montes</a>, by Migra (from Artlist).Regeneration, by <a href='http://www.ameliabarden.com/'>Amelia Barden</a>.<a href='https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ewYjiljhUCURUzhfZCqMf?si=6c16a527c1e64c0f'>The RegenNarration playlist</a>, music chosen by guests.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2091922/open_sms">Send us a text</a><a rel="payment" href="https://www.regennarration.com/support">Support the show</a>The RegenNarration is independent, ad-free and freely available, thanks to the generous support of listeners like you. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to help keep the show on the road - and gain access to a great community and some exclusive benefits - on <a href='https://www.patreon.com/RegenNarration'>Patreon</a> or <a href='https://anthonyaus.substack.com/subscribe'>Substack</a> (where you&apos;ll find my writing). You can also donate directly via <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/support'>the website</a> (avoiding fees) or <a href='https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_donations&amp;business=C2LKHEX4MP4WQ&amp;currency_code=AUD&amp;source=url'>PayPal</a>. I hope to see you at <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/events'>an event</a>, and even <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/shop'>The RegenNarration shop</a>. And thanks for sharing with friends!

<description>&lt;p&gt;Welcome back to Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, Alta Verapaz, as we continue a special series from Guatemala, Central America. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I wish I’d recorded how I came to find today’s guest. In returning to this place that was home for a few years back at the turn of the century, I didn’t know who’d still be around, alive even. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I figured that my old friends Cándido Reyes and his wife Maricela, if they were still around, would be in the returned refugee community they helped set up 30 years prior, called la Nueva Libertad (the New Freedom), just a few kilometres out of town. But after so many years, I had no chance of remembering which house was theirs, an old email address didn’t work, and an old office of theirs in town was now a restaurant.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So I asked around, and eventually got the tip I’d find them in the current facility of the legendary non-profit they continue to work for called &lt;a href='https://adelinacaal.wordpress.com/'&gt;Adelina Caal Maquín&lt;/a&gt; (ACM) – working with women, youth, food sovereignty, agro-ecology and, more recently, a &lt;a href='https://iebacedeco.wordpress.com/'&gt;residential secondary school&lt;/a&gt; in sustainable community development.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Anyway, next day, unannounced and with some timidity, I went to find them. Catching up was so wonderful and compelling, later Cándido and I pressed record on a walk around La Nueva. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We start at ACM, wander around the gardens, the community, its schools, its innovative cooperative set up, and delve into the extraordinary stories of their lives and this place. Emerging from the horrors of war, we explore Cándido&amp;apos;s time as a young resistance organizer, and how he later returned as a leader in the formation of the coop and community. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We talk about the coop’s enormous successes and challenges, reconnecting with ancestors, the changing face of Fray and Guatemala, the exciting food processing venture, reflections on a life so far, and his unflinching belief in what’s possible.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cándido is sharp, resilient and very funny. And out here, they’re lighting a beacon for Guate, and in many ways, for us all. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks again to &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/episodes/265-we-walk-out-family'&gt;Dana ‘Patricio’ Scott&lt;/a&gt; for generously translating and speaking the Spanish in English. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Let’s head to la Nueva Libertad.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Recorded 14 January 2025.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;See more photos on the episode web page, and for more behind the scenes, become a supporting listener below.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Music:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/salta-montes-no-drums/70061'&gt;Salta Montes&lt;/a&gt;, by Migra (from Artlist).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Regeneration, by &lt;a href='http://www.ameliabarden.com/'&gt;Amelia Barden&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ewYjiljhUCURUzhfZCqMf?si=6c16a527c1e64c0f'&gt;The RegenNarration playlist&lt;/a&gt;, music chosen by guests.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2091922/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.regennarration.com/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The RegenNarration is independent, ad-free and freely available, thanks to the generous support of listeners like you. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to help keep the show on the road - and gain access to a great community and some exclusive benefits - on &lt;a href='https://www.patreon.com/RegenNarration'&gt;Patreon&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href='https://anthonyaus.substack.com/subscribe'&gt;Substack&lt;/a&gt; (where you&amp;apos;ll find my writing).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;You can also donate directly via &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/support'&gt;the website&lt;/a&gt; (avoiding fees) or &lt;a href='https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_donations&amp;amp;business=C2LKHEX4MP4WQ&amp;amp;currency_code=AUD&amp;amp;source=url'&gt;PayPal&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I hope to see you at &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/events'&gt;an event&lt;/a&gt;, and even &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/shop'&gt;The RegenNarration shop&lt;/a&gt;. And thanks for sharing with friends!&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Welcome back to Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, Alta Verapaz, as we continue a special series from Guatemala, Central America.  I wish I’d recorded how I came to find today’s guest. In returning to this place that was home for a few years back at the turn of the century, I didn’t know who’d still be around, alive even.  I figured that my old friends Cándido Reyes and his wife Maricela, if they were still around, would be in the returned refugee community they helped set up 30 years pri...

The New Freedom: How a Refugee Return Became a Thriving Multi-Cultural Community, Cooperative & Education Centre

NOTE: This version of this week’s episode is in Spanish. You&apos;ll find the English translated version in your podcast feed too. Bienvenidos de nuevo a Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, Alta Verapaz, para continuar con una serie especial desde Guatemala, Centroamérica.Al regresar a este lugar que fue mi hogar durante unos años a principios de siglo, no sabía quién estaría, aún seguiría vivo. Pensé que mis viejos amigos Cándido Reyes y su esposa Maricela, si todavía estaban aquí, seguirían en la comunidad de retornados que ayudaron a fundar 30 años antes, llamada La Nueva Libertad, a solo unos kilómetros del pueblo de Fray. Pero después de tantos años, no tenía forma de recordar cuál era su casa, una vieja dirección de correo electrónico no funcionaba, y una antigua oficina suya en el pueblo ya es un restaurante.Así que pregunté por ahí y al fin recibí la información que los encontraría en las instalaciones actuales de la legendaria ONG para la que siguen trabajando, <a href='https://adelinacaal.wordpress.com/'>Adelina Caal Maquín</a> (ACM). Esa trabaja con mujeres, jóvenes, soberanía alimentaria, agroecología y, más recientemente, una <a href='https://iebacedeco.wordpress.com/'>escuela secundaria</a> de desarrollo comunitario sostenible.Al día siguiente, sin poder avisar y con cierta timidez, fui a buscarlos. La conversación fue tan maravillosa, que luego Cándido y yo grabamos esta conversación mientras dimos un paseo por La Nueva. Comenzamos en ACM, paseamos por los huertos, la comunidad, sus escuelas, su innovadora cooperativa, y nos adentramos en las extraordinarias historias de sus vidas y de este lugar. Tras los horrores de la guerra, exploramos la época de Cándido como joven organizador de la resistencia, y cómo luego regresó como líder en la formación de la cooperativa y la comunidad.Hablamos de los enormes éxitos y desafíos de la cooperativa, de la reconexión con los ancestros, los cambios de Fray y de Guatemala, de la empresa de procesamiento de alimentos, de reflexiones sobre su vida hasta ahora, y de su irreducible fe en lo posible.Cándido es un tipo muy inteligente y bien chistoso. Y aquí, están iluminando un camino para Guate y, en muchos sentidos, para todos nosotros. Grabado el 14 de enero de 2025.Foto por Olivia Cheng.Vea más fotos en el sitio de web y, para ver más del detrás de cámaras, conviértase en oyente colaborador a continuación.Música:<a href='https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/salta-montes-no-drums/70061'>Salta Montes</a>, de Migra (fuente: Artlist).Regeneration, de <a href='http://www.ameliabarden.com/'>Amelia Barden</a>.<a href='https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ewYjiljhUCURUzhfZCqMf?si=6c16a527c1e64c0f'>The RegenNarration playlist</a>.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2091922/open_sms">Send us a text</a><a rel="payment" href="https://www.regennarration.com/support">Support the show</a>The RegenNarration is independent, ad-free and freely available, thanks to the generous support of listeners like you. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to help keep the show on the road - and gain access to a great community and some exclusive benefits - on <a href='https://www.patreon.com/RegenNarration'>Patreon</a> or <a href='https://anthonyaus.substack.com/subscribe'>Substack</a> (where you&apos;ll find my writing). You can also donate directly via <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/support'>the website</a> (avoiding fees) or <a href='https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_donations&amp;business=C2LKHEX4MP4WQ&amp;currency_code=AUD&amp;source=url'>PayPal</a>. I hope to see you at <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/events'>an event</a>, and even <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/shop'>The RegenNarration shop</a>. And thanks for sharing with friends!

<description>&lt;p&gt;NOTE: This version of this week’s episode is in Spanish. You&amp;apos;ll find the English translated version in your podcast feed too. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bienvenidos de nuevo a Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, Alta Verapaz, para continuar con una serie especial desde Guatemala, Centroamérica.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Al regresar a este lugar que fue mi hogar durante unos años a principios de siglo, no sabía quién estaría, aún seguiría vivo. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Pensé que mis viejos amigos Cándido Reyes y su esposa Maricela, si todavía estaban aquí, seguirían en la comunidad de retornados que ayudaron a fundar 30 años antes, llamada La Nueva Libertad, a solo unos kilómetros del pueblo de Fray. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Pero después de tantos años, no tenía forma de recordar cuál era su casa, una vieja dirección de correo electrónico no funcionaba, y una antigua oficina suya en el pueblo ya es un restaurante.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Así que pregunté por ahí y al fin recibí la información que los encontraría en las instalaciones actuales de la legendaria ONG para la que siguen trabajando, &lt;a href='https://adelinacaal.wordpress.com/'&gt;Adelina Caal Maquín&lt;/a&gt; (ACM). Esa trabaja con mujeres, jóvenes, soberanía alimentaria, agroecología y, más recientemente, una &lt;a href='https://iebacedeco.wordpress.com/'&gt;escuela secundaria&lt;/a&gt; de desarrollo comunitario sostenible.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Al día siguiente, sin poder avisar y con cierta timidez, fui a buscarlos. La conversación fue tan maravillosa, que luego Cándido y yo grabamos esta conversación mientras dimos un paseo por La Nueva. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Comenzamos en ACM, paseamos por los huertos, la comunidad, sus escuelas, su innovadora cooperativa, y nos adentramos en las extraordinarias historias de sus vidas y de este lugar. Tras los horrores de la guerra, exploramos la época de Cándido como joven organizador de la resistencia, y cómo luego regresó como líder en la formación de la cooperativa y la comunidad.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hablamos de los enormes éxitos y desafíos de la cooperativa, de la reconexión con los ancestros, los cambios de Fray y de Guatemala, de la empresa de procesamiento de alimentos, de reflexiones sobre su vida hasta ahora, y de su irreducible fe en lo posible.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cándido es un tipo muy inteligente y bien chistoso. Y aquí, están iluminando un camino para Guate y, en muchos sentidos, para todos nosotros. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Grabado el 14 de enero de 2025.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Foto por Olivia Cheng.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vea más fotos en el sitio de web y, para ver más del detrás de cámaras, conviértase en oyente colaborador a continuación.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Música:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/salta-montes-no-drums/70061'&gt;Salta Montes&lt;/a&gt;, de Migra (fuente: Artlist).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Regeneration, de &lt;a href='http://www.ameliabarden.com/'&gt;Amelia Barden&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ewYjiljhUCURUzhfZCqMf?si=6c16a527c1e64c0f'&gt;The RegenNarration playlist&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2091922/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.regennarration.com/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The RegenNarration is independent, ad-free and freely available, thanks to the generous support of listeners like you. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to help keep the show on the road - and gain access to a great community and some exclusive benefits - on &lt;a href='https://www.patreon.com/RegenNarration'&gt;Patreon&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href='https://anthonyaus.substack.com/subscribe'&gt;Substack&lt;/a&gt; (where you&amp;apos;ll find my writing).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;You can also donate directly via &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/support'&gt;the website&lt;/a&gt; (avoiding fees) or &lt;a href='https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_donations&amp;amp;business=C2LKHEX4MP4WQ&amp;amp;currency_code=AUD&amp;amp;source=url'&gt;PayPal&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I hope to see you at &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/events'&gt;an event&lt;/a&gt;, and even &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/shop'&gt;The RegenNarration shop&lt;/a&gt;. And thanks for sharing with friends!&lt;/p&gt;</description>

NOTE: This version of this week’s episode is in Spanish. You'll find the English translated version in your podcast feed too.  Bienvenidos de nuevo a Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, Alta Verapaz, para continuar con una serie especial desde Guatemala, Centroamérica. Al regresar a este lugar que fue mi hogar durante unos años a principios de siglo, no sabía quién estaría, aún seguiría vivo.  Pensé que mis viejos amigos Cándido Reyes y su esposa Maricela, si todavía estaban aquí, seguiría...

La Nueva Libertad: Cómo Retornados Formaron Una Exitosa Comunidad Multicultural, Cooperativa y Centro Educativo

NOTE: This version of this week’s episode is in Spanish. You&apos;ll find the English translated version in your podcast feed too. (Gracias a <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/episodes/265-we-walk-out-family'>Dana ‘Patricio’ Scott</a> por su generosa traducción.)Bienvenidos a una serie dentro de la serie desde Guatemala, Centroamérica: tres historias de tres hombres a los que admiro muchísimo en el mundo. Cada uno diferente, pero relacionado. Cada uno de una generación distinta. Y cada uno navegando las últimas dos décadas de forma distinta desde que pasé tiempo con ellos, en el municipio de Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, Alta Verapaz.En ese sentido, esta es también la historia de un lugar. Un lugar que ha pasado por lo peor y también por lo mejor de la humanidad. Nos ofrece sabiduría adquirida con esfuerzo sobre cómo superar lo primero y cuidar lo segundo, incluso lograr resultados notables en ocasiones, pero quizás sobre todo, cómo vivir bien independientemente de esos resultados.Primero que nada, es un privilegio compartir mi conversación con Don Ceferino de Paz González. Don Ceferino es Maya Achí, y era alcalde de Fray cuando llegué a ofrecer mis servicios, un gringo sin, en ese momento, respaldo organizativo ni financiero.Don Cef había sido elegido hacía poco, apenas unos años después de los Acuerdos de Paz que pusieron fin formalmente a una sangrienta guerra de décadas. Por aquel entonces formaba parte del partido político surgido de la resistencia guerrillera. Siendo apenas un niño cuando se unió a esa resistencia, esquivó la muerte, ascendió en la jerarquía y, en tiempos de paz, llegó a ser alcalde no una, sino dos veces.21 años después de la última vez que lo vi, nos reunimos en su casa de Fray. A sus 80 años, generosamente, este hombre orgulloso, elocuente y aún optimista, estaba dispuesto a charlar con sinceridad y franqueza.Nos sentamos en el patio. La humedad y el calor subían entre el verde de estas tradicionales tierras tropicales mayas. Y a medida que avanzamos, nos adentramos más en terreno personal. Y para terminar, acepta tocar la guitarra.El episodio de hoy también rinde homenaje a mi difunto mentor, pionero del pensamiento sistémico y figura muy querida, el profesor <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/understandascope'>Frank Fisher</a>, en el 82.º aniversario de su nacimiento.Grabado el 14 de enero de 2025.Vea más fotos en la página web del episodio y, para ver más del detrás de cámaras, conviértase en oyente colaborador a continuación.Música:<a href='https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/salta-montes-no-drums/70061'>Salta Montes</a>, de Migra (fuente: Artlist).Regeneration, de <a href='http://www.ameliabarden.com/'>Amelia Barden</a>.<a href='https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ewYjiljhUCURUzhfZCqMf?si=6c16a527c1e64c0f'></a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2091922/open_sms">Send us a text</a><a rel="payment" href="https://www.regennarration.com/support">Support the show</a>The RegenNarration is independent, ad-free and freely available, thanks to the generous support of listeners like you. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to help keep the show on the road - and gain access to a great community and some exclusive benefits - on <a href='https://www.patreon.com/RegenNarration'>Patreon</a> or <a href='https://anthonyaus.substack.com/subscribe'>Substack</a> (where you&apos;ll find my writing). You can also donate directly via <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/support'>the website</a> (avoiding fees) or <a href='https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_donations&amp;business=C2LKHEX4MP4WQ&amp;currency_code=AUD&amp;source=url'>PayPal</a>. I hope to see you at <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/events'>an event</a>, and even <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/shop'>The RegenNarration shop</a>. And thanks for sharing with friends!

<description>&lt;p&gt;NOTE: This version of this week’s episode is in Spanish. You&amp;apos;ll find the English translated version in your podcast feed too. (Gracias a &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/episodes/265-we-walk-out-family'&gt;Dana ‘Patricio’ Scott&lt;/a&gt; por su generosa traducción.)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bienvenidos a una serie dentro de la serie desde Guatemala, Centroamérica: tres historias de tres hombres a los que admiro muchísimo en el mundo. Cada uno diferente, pero relacionado. Cada uno de una generación distinta. Y cada uno navegando las últimas dos décadas de forma distinta desde que pasé tiempo con ellos, en el municipio de Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, Alta Verapaz.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;En ese sentido, esta es también la historia de un lugar. Un lugar que ha pasado por lo peor y también por lo mejor de la humanidad. Nos ofrece sabiduría adquirida con esfuerzo sobre cómo superar lo primero y cuidar lo segundo, incluso lograr resultados notables en ocasiones, pero quizás sobre todo, cómo vivir bien independientemente de esos resultados.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Primero que nada, es un privilegio compartir mi conversación con Don Ceferino de Paz González. Don Ceferino es Maya Achí, y era alcalde de Fray cuando llegué a ofrecer mis servicios, un gringo sin, en ese momento, respaldo organizativo ni financiero.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Don Cef había sido elegido hacía poco, apenas unos años después de los Acuerdos de Paz que pusieron fin formalmente a una sangrienta guerra de décadas. Por aquel entonces formaba parte del partido político surgido de la resistencia guerrillera. Siendo apenas un niño cuando se unió a esa resistencia, esquivó la muerte, ascendió en la jerarquía y, en tiempos de paz, llegó a ser alcalde no una, sino dos veces.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;21 años después de la última vez que lo vi, nos reunimos en su casa de Fray. A sus 80 años, generosamente, este hombre orgulloso, elocuente y aún optimista, estaba dispuesto a charlar con sinceridad y franqueza.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nos sentamos en el patio. La humedad y el calor subían entre el verde de estas tradicionales tierras tropicales mayas. Y a medida que avanzamos, nos adentramos más en terreno personal. Y para terminar, acepta tocar la guitarra.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;El episodio de hoy también rinde homenaje a mi difunto mentor, pionero del pensamiento sistémico y figura muy querida, el profesor &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/understandascope'&gt;Frank Fisher&lt;/a&gt;, en el 82.º aniversario de su nacimiento.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Grabado el 14 de enero de 2025.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vea más fotos en la página web del episodio y, para ver más del detrás de cámaras, conviértase en oyente colaborador a continuación.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Música:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/salta-montes-no-drums/70061'&gt;Salta Montes&lt;/a&gt;, de Migra (fuente: Artlist).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Regeneration, de &lt;a href='http://www.ameliabarden.com/'&gt;Amelia Barden&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ewYjiljhUCURUzhfZCqMf?si=6c16a527c1e64c0f'&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2091922/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.regennarration.com/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The RegenNarration is independent, ad-free and freely available, thanks to the generous support of listeners like you. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to help keep the show on the road - and gain access to a great community and some exclusive benefits - on &lt;a href='https://www.patreon.com/RegenNarration'&gt;Patreon&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href='https://anthonyaus.substack.com/subscribe'&gt;Substack&lt;/a&gt; (where you&amp;apos;ll find my writing).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;You can also donate directly via &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/support'&gt;the website&lt;/a&gt; (avoiding fees) or &lt;a href='https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_donations&amp;amp;business=C2LKHEX4MP4WQ&amp;amp;currency_code=AUD&amp;amp;source=url'&gt;PayPal&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I hope to see you at &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/events'&gt;an event&lt;/a&gt;, and even &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/shop'&gt;The RegenNarration shop&lt;/a&gt;. And thanks for sharing with friends!&lt;/p&gt;</description>

NOTE: This version of this week’s episode is in Spanish. You'll find the English translated version in your podcast feed too. (Gracias a Dana ‘Patricio’ Scott por su generosa traducción.) Bienvenidos a una serie dentro de la serie desde Guatemala, Centroamérica: tres historias de tres hombres a los que admiro muchísimo en el mundo. Cada uno diferente, pero relacionado. Cada uno de una generación distinta. Y cada uno navegando las últimas dos décadas de forma distinta desde que pasé tiempo con...

De Guerrillero a Alcalde: Un líder Maya habla de la resistencia, la paz y desarrollando las condiciones para la vida

Welcome to a series within the series from Guatemala, Central America – three stories from three men I admire most in the world. Each different but related. Each from a different generation. And each navigating the last couple of decades differently since I spent time with them, in the municipality of Fray Bartolome de las Casas, in the central province of Alta Verapaz.This is the story of a place too, in that sense. A place that’s been through the worst of things and some of the best of human endeavours as well. Offering us all some hard-won wisdom on how to transcend the former and tend the latter, even achieve some remarkable outcomes at times, but perhaps above all, how to live well regardless of those outcomes. First up, then, it’s a privilege to share my conversation with Don Ceferino de Paz González. Don Cef was Mayor of Fray when I arrived offering my services, a gringo with, at that stage, no organisational or financial backing. Don Cef had not long been elected, only a few years after the Peace Accords that formally ended a bloody decades-long war. He was then part of the political party that emerged from the guerrilla resistance. A mere boy when he joined that resistance, he’d dodged death, rose through the ranks, and then in peace time, became Mayor not once, but twice. 21 years since I last saw him, we met at his home in Fray. He’d hardly changed, still looking sprightly at age 80. And generously, this proud, articulate, still optimistic Maya Achí elder, was up for a chat – full, frank and open. We sat out on the patio, late morning. The humidity and heat were on the rise amidst the lush green of these traditional Mayan tropical lowlands. And as we go, we drift deeper into personal terrain. And to take us out, he agrees to pick up the guitar.Today’s episode is also tribute to my late mentor, systems thinking pioneer and much-loved figure, <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/understandascope'>Professor Frank Fisher</a>, on the 82nd anniversary of his birth. Thanks again to <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/episodes/265-we-walk-out-family'>Dana Scott</a> for so generously translating the Spanish into English.Recorded 14 January 2025.See more photos on the episode web page, and for more behind the scenes, become a supporting listener below.Music:<a href='https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/salta-montes-no-drums/70061'>Salta Montes</a>, by Migra (from Artlist).Regeneration, by <a href='http://www.ameliabarden.com/'>Amelia Barden</a>.<a href='https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ewYjiljhUCURUzhfZCqMf?si=6c16a527c1e64c0f'>The RegenNarration playlist</a>, music chosen by guests.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2091922/open_sms">Send us a text</a><a rel="payment" href="https://www.regennarration.com/support">Support the show</a>The RegenNarration is independent, ad-free and freely available, thanks to the generous support of listeners like you. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to help keep the show on the road - and gain access to a great community and some exclusive benefits - on <a href='https://www.patreon.com/RegenNarration'>Patreon</a> or <a href='https://anthonyaus.substack.com/subscribe'>Substack</a> (where you&apos;ll find my writing). You can also donate directly via <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/support'>the website</a> (avoiding fees) or <a href='https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_donations&amp;business=C2LKHEX4MP4WQ&amp;currency_code=AUD&amp;source=url'>PayPal</a>. I hope to see you at <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/events'>an event</a>, and even <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/shop'>The RegenNarration shop</a>. And thanks for sharing with friends!

<description>&lt;p&gt;Welcome to a series within the series from Guatemala, Central America – three stories from three men&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;I admire most in the world. Each different but related. Each from a different generation. And each navigating the last couple of decades differently since I spent time with them, in the municipality of Fray Bartolome de las Casas, in the central province of Alta Verapaz.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is the story of a place too, in that sense. A place that’s been through the worst of things and some of the best of human endeavours as well. Offering us all some hard-won wisdom on how to transcend the former and tend the latter, even achieve some remarkable outcomes at times, but perhaps above all, how to live well regardless of those outcomes. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;First up, then, it’s a privilege to share my conversation with Don Ceferino de Paz González. Don Cef was Mayor of Fray when I arrived offering my services, a gringo with, at that stage, no organisational or financial backing. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Don Cef had not long been elected, only a few years after the Peace Accords that formally ended a bloody decades-long war. He was then part of the political party that emerged from the guerrilla resistance. A mere boy when he joined that resistance, he’d dodged death, rose through the ranks, and then in peace time, became Mayor not once, but twice. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;21 years since I last saw him, we met at his home in Fray. He’d hardly changed, still looking sprightly at age 80. And generously, this proud, articulate, still optimistic Maya Achí elder, was up for a chat – full, frank and open. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We sat out on the patio, late morning. The humidity and heat were on the rise amidst the lush green of these traditional Mayan tropical lowlands. And as we go, we drift deeper into personal terrain. And to take us out, he agrees to pick up the guitar.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today’s episode is also tribute to my late mentor, systems thinking pioneer and much-loved figure, &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/understandascope'&gt;Professor Frank Fisher&lt;/a&gt;, on the 82nd anniversary of his birth. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks again to &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/episodes/265-we-walk-out-family'&gt;Dana Scott&lt;/a&gt; for so generously translating the Spanish into English.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Recorded 14 January 2025.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;See more photos on the episode web page, and for more behind the scenes, become a supporting listener below.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Music:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/salta-montes-no-drums/70061'&gt;Salta Montes&lt;/a&gt;, by Migra (from Artlist).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Regeneration, by &lt;a href='http://www.ameliabarden.com/'&gt;Amelia Barden&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ewYjiljhUCURUzhfZCqMf?si=6c16a527c1e64c0f'&gt;The RegenNarration playlist&lt;/a&gt;, music chosen by guests.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2091922/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.regennarration.com/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The RegenNarration is independent, ad-free and freely available, thanks to the generous support of listeners like you. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to help keep the show on the road - and gain access to a great community and some exclusive benefits - on &lt;a href='https://www.patreon.com/RegenNarration'&gt;Patreon&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href='https://anthonyaus.substack.com/subscribe'&gt;Substack&lt;/a&gt; (where you&amp;apos;ll find my writing).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;You can also donate directly via &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/support'&gt;the website&lt;/a&gt; (avoiding fees) or &lt;a href='https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_donations&amp;amp;business=C2LKHEX4MP4WQ&amp;amp;currency_code=AUD&amp;amp;source=url'&gt;PayPal&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I hope to see you at &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/events'&gt;an event&lt;/a&gt;, and even &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/shop'&gt;The RegenNarration shop&lt;/a&gt;. And thanks for sharing with friends!&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Welcome to a series within the series from Guatemala, Central America – three stories from three men I admire most in the world. Each different but related. Each from a different generation. And each navigating the last couple of decades differently since I spent time with them, in the municipality of Fray Bartolome de las Casas, in the central province of Alta Verapaz. This is the story of a place too, in that sense. A place that’s been through the worst of things and some of the best of hum...

From Guerrilla to Mayor: A Mayan Leader on Resistance, Peace & Developing the Conditions for Life

Welcome to another very special series of episodes. This time, from my return to an old haunt back at the turn of the century, in beautiful current day Guatemala, Central America. Deep in the heart of Mayan Country and culture.To have the opportunity to share these with you here, is beyond what I ever imagined possible. I couldn’t be more grateful, including to Dana Scott for so generously translating and speaking the Spanish in English, for me to overdub for you here. A version of all four episodes in the series will go out in both Spanish and English.First up, a story I’m so glad to be able to share with you - a visit to the <a href='https://www.imapermacultura.org/'>Meso-American Permaculture Institute</a> on the shores of the world wonder called Lago de Atitlan (Lake Atitlan). You may have heard my conversation with Maria Inés Cuj and Rony Lec, current and former directors of the Institute, a few years ago in <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/episodes/113-transformations-with-mayan-culture-and-permaculture'>episode 113</a>, when they won a major global award after 20+ years of trailblazing gutsy work. This time, we were fortunate to be able to visit in person, and be shown around this centre of ceremony, education and regeneration – a literal cross-cultural lifeline for the community, the lake, and beyond.Initially, I’d just had the phone recording going to capture our arrival, but it got interesting straight up, with Inés and her colleague Patrik Mucia so warmly welcoming us in their ceremonial ground (after we’d spent untold hours scrambling to catch 2 boats, 2 tuk tuks, and 1 pickup to get there).After that, Patrik takes us for a walk. This young Mayan man is a great communicator, including about his story - how the Institute prompted his return to Mayan culture and his introduction to permaculture. And while we walk, the gardens sing.Recorded 15 December 2024.Title slide: AJ and Patrik (by Olivia Cheng). See more photos on the episode web page, and for more behind the scenes, become a supporting listener below. Music:<a href='https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/salta-montes-no-drums/70061'>Salta Montes</a>, by Migra (from Artlist).Regeneration, by <a href='http://www.ameliabarden.com/'>Amelia Barden</a>.<a href='https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ewYjiljhUCURUzhfZCqMf?si=6c16a527c1e64c0f'>The RegenNarration playlist</a>, music chosen by guests.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2091922/open_sms">Send us a text</a><a rel="payment" href="https://www.regennarration.com/support">Support the show</a>The RegenNarration is independent, ad-free and freely available, thanks to the generous support of listeners like you. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to help keep the show on the road - and gain access to a great community and some exclusive benefits - on <a href='https://www.patreon.com/RegenNarration'>Patreon</a> or <a href='https://anthonyaus.substack.com/subscribe'>Substack</a> (where you&apos;ll find my writing). You can also donate directly via <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/support'>the website</a> (avoiding fees) or <a href='https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_donations&amp;business=C2LKHEX4MP4WQ&amp;currency_code=AUD&amp;source=url'>PayPal</a>. I hope to see you at <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/events'>an event</a>, and even <a href='https://www.regennarration.com/shop'>The RegenNarration shop</a>. And thanks for sharing with friends!

<description>&lt;p&gt;Welcome to another very special series of episodes. This time, from my return to an old haunt back at the turn of the century, in beautiful current day Guatemala, Central America. Deep in the heart of Mayan Country and culture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To have the opportunity to share these with you here, is beyond what I ever imagined possible. I couldn’t be more grateful, including to Dana Scott for so generously translating and speaking the Spanish in English, for me to overdub for you here. A version of all four episodes in the series will go out in both Spanish and English.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;First up, a story I’m so glad to be able to share with you - a visit to the &lt;a href='https://www.imapermacultura.org/'&gt;Meso-American Permaculture Institute&lt;/a&gt; on the shores of the world wonder called Lago de Atitlan (Lake Atitlan). You may have heard my conversation with Maria Inés Cuj and Rony Lec, current and former directors of the Institute, a few years ago in &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/episodes/113-transformations-with-mayan-culture-and-permaculture'&gt;episode 113&lt;/a&gt;, when they won a major global award after 20+ years of trailblazing gutsy work. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This time, we were fortunate to be able to visit in person, and be shown around this centre of ceremony, education and regeneration – a literal cross-cultural lifeline for the community, the lake, and beyond.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Initially, I’d just had the phone recording going to capture our arrival, but it got interesting straight up, with Inés and her colleague Patrik Mucia so warmly welcoming us in their ceremonial ground (after we’d spent untold hours scrambling to catch 2 boats, 2 tuk tuks, and 1 pickup to get there).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After that, Patrik takes us for a walk. This young Mayan man is a great communicator, including about his story - how the Institute prompted his return to Mayan culture and his introduction to permaculture. And while we walk, the gardens sing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Recorded 15 December 2024.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Title slide: AJ and Patrik (by Olivia Cheng). &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;See more photos on the episode web page, and for more behind the scenes, become a supporting listener below. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Music:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/salta-montes-no-drums/70061'&gt;Salta Montes&lt;/a&gt;, by Migra (from Artlist).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Regeneration, by &lt;a href='http://www.ameliabarden.com/'&gt;Amelia Barden&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ewYjiljhUCURUzhfZCqMf?si=6c16a527c1e64c0f'&gt;The RegenNarration playlist&lt;/a&gt;, music chosen by guests.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2091922/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.regennarration.com/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The RegenNarration is independent, ad-free and freely available, thanks to the generous support of listeners like you. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to help keep the show on the road - and gain access to a great community and some exclusive benefits - on &lt;a href='https://www.patreon.com/RegenNarration'&gt;Patreon&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href='https://anthonyaus.substack.com/subscribe'&gt;Substack&lt;/a&gt; (where you&amp;apos;ll find my writing).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;You can also donate directly via &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/support'&gt;the website&lt;/a&gt; (avoiding fees) or &lt;a href='https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_donations&amp;amp;business=C2LKHEX4MP4WQ&amp;amp;currency_code=AUD&amp;amp;source=url'&gt;PayPal&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;I hope to see you at &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/events'&gt;an event&lt;/a&gt;, and even &lt;a href='https://www.regennarration.com/shop'&gt;The RegenNarration shop&lt;/a&gt;. And thanks for sharing with friends!&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Welcome to another very special series of episodes. This time, from my return to an old haunt back at the turn of the century, in beautiful current day Guatemala, Central America. Deep in the heart of Mayan Country and culture. To have the opportunity to share these with you here, is beyond what I ever imagined possible. I couldn’t be more grateful, including to Dana Scott for so generously translating and speaking the Spanish in English, for me to overdub for you here. A version of all four ...

Seeds, Stories & Sovereignty: A Walk Through Mayan Permaculture At Lake Atitlán

The RegenNarration podcast features the stories of a generation that is changing the story, enabling the regeneration of life on this planet. It’s ad-free, freely available and entirely listener-supported. You'll hear from high profile and grass-roots leaders from around Australia and the world, on how they're changing the stories we live by, and the systems we create in their mold. Along with often very personal tales of how they themselves are changing, in the places they call home. With Prime-Ministerial award-winning host, Anthony James.&nbsp;

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