Will Hommeyer, Barbara Wiener, Ray Caron, Lori Myren-Manbeck
At a time when conversations about the future often lean toward escape, Mars Can Wait offers a different perspective. The series invites viewers to look closer to home, and across the world, to discover people already building a more sustainable, connected, and hopeful future.
Rather than focusing on abstract ideas or distant possibilities, the show is grounded in real environments and real people. Each episode travels to a new location, highlighting individuals, businesses, and communities who are actively shaping solutions, whether through food systems, local economies, or environmental practices. The result is a narrative that feels immediate, visual, and deeply human.
The energy of the series is rooted in discovery. From farms and kitchens to small towns and community spaces, Mars Can Wait captures the color, texture, and rhythm of everyday life, showing how sustainability is already taking shape in tangible ways. Host Lori Myren-Manbeck reflects, “We’re not waiting for change to happen somewhere else. We’re creating it right here, with what we have.”
That sense of immediacy is part of what defines the show’s direction. It is not about perfection or theory. It is about progress, experimentation, and the people willing to take action. Each episode follows a clear arc, moving from discovery to conversation and then to practical solutions, offering viewers ideas they can carry into their own lives.
The decision to film the first show in Costa Rica reflects this philosophy. Known for its biodiversity and commitment to environmental stewardship, the country provides a vivid backdrop for exploring how sustainability can be woven into daily living. The landscape itself becomes part of the story, reinforcing the connection between people and place, and highlighting what is possible when those relationships are nurtured. As Andy Seelye, co-owner of Las Vueltas Lodge, states, “It’s important for us to hold the space for the world to heal. We are part of this ecosystem; we’re not aliens looking at it from outside. We need to find that place where we humans fit in. That’s what we’re trying to do here.”
Ray Caron, Lori Myren-Manbeck
At the center of the series is Dr. Myren-Manbeck, who serves as host and guide. A licensed clinical psychologist with decades of experience, she brings a thoughtful and grounded presence to each episode while ensuring the focus remains firmly on the people she meets and the communities she visits. “This is about meeting individuals who are already doing the work,” she says. “They are not waiting for permission. They are building something meaningful, and that’s what we want audiences to experience.”
Myren-Manbeck also serves as Co-Vice Chair of the Alliance for Sustainability, the nonprofit partner supporting the project’s broader mission. That partnership reflects the show’s intention to extend beyond storytelling into real-world impact, connecting audiences with organizations and ideas that are already making a difference.
The series is directed and produced by Emmy Award-winning producer and educator Barbara Wiener, who brings a prolific 32-year career in film and television. During her 14-year tenure as a senior and executive producer at Twin Cities Public Television, and through her subsequent independent documentaries, she has garnered prestigious honors, including six Midwest Emmys and a CINE Golden Eagle. Her diverse portfolio of arts and cultural work has reached global audiences in settings that include the Sundance Film Festival, the Walker Art Center, and the New York International Film Festival.
Behind the scenes, the series is produced and developed by Mint Mantis, a team focused on bringing purpose-driven content to a wider audience. Their approach ensures that Mars Can Wait is not just a television project, but part of a larger ecosystem that includes a companion book, educational initiatives, and interactive platforms designed to deepen engagement.
Visually, the series embraces a warm and immersive style. Natural settings, vibrant landscapes, and intimate conversations create an atmosphere that feels welcoming rather than instructional. The goal is not to overwhelm viewers, but to invite them into a shared experience. It is a tone that reflects the essence of the show itself: hopeful, grounded, and forward-looking.
At its core, Mars Can Wait is about connection. It brings together stories from different places and perspectives, showing how sustainability is not a single idea but a collective effort that spans communities, cultures, and industries. It is about taking care of the earth, supporting one another, and recognizing that meaningful change often begins with small, deliberate actions.
For creators, partners, and organizations, the series also represents an opportunity to be part of a growing conversation. With a multi-platform vision that includes television, digital experiences, and community programming, Mars Can Wait is positioned to reach audiences who are actively seeking solutions and inspiration.
As the project continues to develop, the message remains clear. The future is not something distant or abstract. It is being shaped now by people who are willing to act, collaborate, and imagine something better.
Media Contact
Name: Ari Saeidi-Pour
Email: [email protected]
