The America We Don’t Hear About with Scott Shigeoka
Tevin
September 7, 2026
Dr. Paul Zeitz is a preventive medicine physician, epidemiologist, author, and an award-winning advocate for global justice and human rights. With over 35 years of experience in advocacy, campaigning, and political movement leadership, Dr. Zeitz has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable and compassionate world. His innovative approach to addressing systemic challenges has cemented his reputation as a visionary leader.
As the initiator of the #unify movements, Dr. Zeitz has introduced a transformative platform dedicated to building love-centered social, economic, and political systems. This platform emphasizes collective repair, justice, and peace as the cornerstones of societal progress. One of the key initiatives under this banner is #unifyUSA, launched in 2023. This peaceful revolutionary political movement aims to co-create a “United States 2.0” by championing urgent constitutional renewal and fostering a unified vision for the nation’s future.
Dr. Zeitz’s emphasis on love-centered activism challenges traditional paradigms and inspires individuals to reimagine societal structures. The #unify movements serve as a call to action for those seeking meaningful transformation rooted in compassion and shared humanity.
Dr. Zeitz’s book, Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered Activist, provides a timely and indispensable guide for navigating personal and global challenges. In this book, he outlines a clear, step-by-step roadmap designed to combat anxiety, hopelessness, and the complex crises facing the modern world. Through practical strategies and inspirational insights, Dr. Zeitz empowers readers to ignite their inner sparks and join a collective movement for healing and justice.
Complementing the book is the Revolutionary Optimism Podcast, where Dr. Zeitz engages with thought leaders and activists to share stories of resilience and hope. By amplifying voices committed to justice and repair, the podcast reinforces the message that personal growth and collective action are inseparable.
Dr. Zeitz’s career spans diverse sectors, including climate transformation, racial and gender equity, authentic democracy, sustainable development, child welfare, and global health. His contributions have had a profound impact both in the United States and internationally. Some of his notable roles include:
Dr. Zeitz’s leadership extends to numerous groundbreaking movements and organizations. Between 2000 and 2023, he co-founded several influential initiatives, including:
During his tenure as Director of the Data Revolution for Sustainable Development at the U.S. Department of State (2015-2018), Dr. Zeitz contributed to enhancing data-driven approaches to global health under both the Obama and Trump administrations. Earlier in his career, he served in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where he honed his expertise in public health and epidemiology.
Dr. Zeitz’s debut memoir, Waging Justice: A Doctor’s Journey to Speak Truth and Be Bold, published in 2018, offers a deeply personal narrative of his journey toward healing and advocacy. Through poignant storytelling, he illustrates how individual healing is intrinsically linked to the broader work of repairing a fractured world. His reflections serve as a powerful reminder that personal transformation can fuel systemic justice and change.
Dr. Zeitz’s contributions are not limited to the professional realm. In 2023, he was ordained as a Shir Hashirim Rabbi, blending spirituality with his commitment to justice and healing. This spiritual foundation informs his work, providing a holistic perspective on the interconnectedness of personal, societal, and global well-being.
Certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine since 1993, Dr. Zeitz continues to leverage his medical expertise to address pressing health challenges. His ability to integrate scientific knowledge with advocacy and movement-building underscores his unique approach to problem-solving.
Married for over 32 years, Dr. Zeitz and his wife, Mindi, are the proud parents of five sons, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren. His family’s support and shared values have been instrumental in shaping his unwavering commitment to justice and equity.
Dr. Paul Zeitz’s vision for a love-centered world offers a powerful antidote to the divisiveness and despair that often dominate contemporary discourse. Through his work with the #unify movements, his writings, and his leadership in various advocacy initiatives, he continues to inspire individuals and communities to take bold steps toward healing and transformation.
By addressing systemic challenges with compassion and courage, Dr. Zeitz exemplifies the power of revolutionary optimism. His enduring legacy serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking to co-create a more just and harmonious world.
Dr. Zeitz’s third book, Revolutionary Optimism, is now available. Working alongside #unify Movements, we continue healing the soul of America, fighting for racial equity, climate action, and the end of childhood sexual violence.
“Waging Justice” is his personal story and yet also a universal one: a story of action, of courage and also of forgiveness. It is also a rallying cry to wage justice in our own lives, speak the truth, be bold and serve justice for all by taking action in our world today.
