I’m a storyteller who tries to help people reconnect with the living world, with each other, and within themselves.
Some of my work - TV, podcasts, films, social media, writing - has won Emmys and other awards.
Some of it has done things less measurable - mentored someone to find their voice, motivated someone to keep going, or helped a small community hold power to account.
Connect with me on social media or write a note:
Hi, I’m Charles.
Selected work:
Stories are sacred. Climate change demands new solutions - and new stories.
- 10-part national PBS TV series
- Director, host, producer, editor, writer
- Winner of 2 Emmys and a Public Media Award
Trailer
Ep 1, on how to renew the world
Ep 2, on animals and music
Ep 3, on saving plants to save ourselves
Ep 4, on the path of water
Ep 5, on facing our fears to protect our home
Ep 6, on the importance of play
Ep 7, on tech and collective intelligence
Ep 8, on decoding our food’s messages to us
Ep 9, on bridging political and spiritual divides
Ep 10, on how not to burn out
Unexpected solutions from visionaries leading the way on climate.
- Video podcast
- Host, producer, editor
- Winner of a Signal Award for Best Video Podcast (individual episode, Silver)
Uncommon wisdom from the heart of Silicon Valley.
- Video podcast
- Executive producer, editor
Content creator
“Forest Contemplations”
The beauty of China’s vast terrain and the life that inhabits it.
- Associate Director of International Development, Chuan Films / Assistant Production Manager
- Watch on Disney+
In the media
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KTSF news with Jo Wan and Mandarin Journal with Jo Wan (interviews in Chinese)
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Emmy, 2026, Northern California region - program host - “Climate California”, episode 7, “Deus Ex Machina”
Emmy, 2025, Northern California region - environmental long-form content, “Climate California”, episode 2, “The Songs of Strangers”
57th Public Media Award, “Climate California”, episode 3, “Second Language”
Nominations:
Signal Awards, 2026, Finalist, Best Video Podcast, Individual Episodes, “A Fighting Chance,” episode 4, “How To Fight Big Oil and Win”
58th Public Media Award - “A Fighting Chance, episode 8, Jane Fonda: Capitalism Is Destroying Our Climate”
58th Public Media Award - “Climate California,” episode 4, “Flow”
Emmy, 2026, Northern California region, environmental content - “Climate California”, episode 8, “Encapsulated Memory”
Emmy, 2026, Northern California region, political content - “Climate California”. episode 9, “Unity?”