Author: sHq_LoGiNz

90% of Americans say end-of-life conversations are important, yet only 27% have had them – television storytelling emerges as a breakthrough solution to bridge the gap.

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Television storylines featuring authentic end-of-life experiences significantly increase viewers’ willingness to initiate conversations about mortality, according to new research released today from End Well. The comprehensive study, conducted in partnership with USC’s Norman Lear Center Media Impact Project, reveals that viewers exposed to realistic portrayals of death and dying were dramatically more likely to take concrete actions – from drafting advance directives to discussing care preferences with loved ones.

“We knew that while 90% of Americans say talking about end-of-life care is important, only 27% have actually had these conversations,” said Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, founder and board president of End Well. “Research also shows that ongoing dialogue – not just documentation – leads to care that truly reflects someone’s values. Our new research demonstrates that thoughtfully crafted television content can make a huge difference in people’s willingness to talk about their wishes and begin planning for the end of life.”

Key Research Findings: Viewers who watched end-of-life storylines from A Million Little Things and The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning were significantly more likely to:

• Initiate conversations about end-of-life topics.
• Seek additional information about care options and advance planning.
• Share locations of important legal and financial documents.
• Draft or update advance directives and legal documents.
• Help aging parents with decluttering and legacy planning.
• Discuss specific care preferences and medical decisions.

“When people see death and dying portrayed with honesty, humor, and compassion, it gives them permission to begin the conversations that matter most,” said Tracy Wheeler, executive director of End Well. “Television isn’t just entertainment – it’s a rehearsal space for real life.”

The research identified three key elements that make end-of-life storytelling effective:

• Real Life Reflected: Authentic portrayals showing supportive communities helped viewers envision how to offer or receive care with compassion and dignity.
• Humor Included: Strategic use of humor made difficult topics more accessible and relatable.
• Grounded in Expertise: Collaboration with medical and psychological professionals ensured both accuracy and authentic emotional responses during life’s most vulnerable moments.

“Before grief leveled my world, I was funny. Laughing is my favorite,” said J.J. Duncan, producer of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. “If we could bring levity to this dark topic that was so very taboo in people’s minds, then we could help others with handrails as they walked their own paths of grief.”

As the legal and ethical landscape around end-of-life care continues to evolve, the findings suggest that entertainment industry partnerships could significantly advance public health goals around advance care planning and mortality literacy.

About the Research

The study examined viewer responses to end-of-life storylines from two popular shows: A Million Little Things‘ series finale featuring Gary’s terminal diagnosis and desire to die with dignity, and The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning‘s episode about Shana preparing for death after a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis. Participants were randomly assigned to view either the end-of-life storylines or control clips from the same shows without mortality themes.

“Storytelling has the power to transform how we die,” said Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, founder and board president of End Well. “Through honest, nuanced portrayals of end-of-life experiences, popular culture can help build the emotional and practical literacy we need to care for ourselves and each other in our final chapters.”

The full report, “Changing the Channel on Death: How Television Can Lead the End-of-Life Revolution,” authored by Shoshana Ungerleider, MD, Tracy Wheeler, and End Well, is available at https://endwellproject.org/research/.

About End Well

End Well is a nonprofit on a mission to transform how people think about, talk about, and plan for the end of life. Founded by Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, End Well believes everyone deserves an experience aligned with their values—and that a meaningful ending is the ultimate measure of a well-lived life. Learn more at https://endwellproject.org/.

The research was made possible through funding from The David and Lura Lovell Foundation, the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, the Y.C. Ho/Helen and Michael Chiang Foundation, and the George Family Foundation.

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SOURCE End Well

Chianti Classico’s new sustainability protocol sets 58 standards. A recent survey
reveals how wineries are meeting them.

FLORENCE, Italy, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In Chianti Classico, sustainability has long been a central focus. A recent survey reinforced this commitment, with 48% of member companies, representing the entire production chain from vineyard to bottle and covering 53% of the region’s production area, reporting active engagement on the topic. The data highlights that sustainability in Chianti Classico is not a passing trend, but a long-standing priority.

The denomination currently focuses on three important elements of sustainability: environmental, social, and cultural, reflecting the three cornerstones of the new Chianti Classico Protocol for sustainability, which was presented on May 14th during the Consorzio’s centenary celebrations.

As with producing quality wine, everything begins in the vineyard. Today, two-thirds of Chianti Classico wineries already practice grassing between rows, a key measure to combat soil erosion and soil depletion. Three out of four estates are actively working to preserve the vineyard’s natural ecosystem by reducing the use of herbicides and chemical fertilizers, instead favoring natural compost or by-products from the winemaking process. In roughly one out of every three estates, covering 27% of the hectares surveyed, melliferous plants have been introduced to support pollinators. These pollinators are a delicate but vital link in ecological balance: they enable plant reproduction and serve as important biological indicators for environmental health. This commitment extends to organic farming as well, with 61% of estates already certified organic and another 9% currently in conversion.

Even during the production phase, environmental awareness can be influential. Almost half of the estates use alternative energy sources (45%), are committed to reducing bottle weights (65%), and are reusing materials such as glass and paper (54%).

Wine carries cultural significance, tradition, and history, linking it to its place of origin. As a point of union between nature and human intervention, the landscape is an essential part of the cultural element. The recovery and maintenance of ancient traditions such as dry-stone walls, terracing, and strade bianche (white roads) all represent an active and consistent commitment to protecting the land outside the confines of the vineyard. This is perceived as imperative, evidenced by the fact that 60% of member companies strongly agreed that sustainable wine is closely connected to the protection of biodiversity and the landscape. 

This ties in with the concept of cultural sustainability, the innovative thread running through the Chianti Classico protocol. Chianti Classico’s landscape is a mosaic of wild nature alternating with human intervention. Woodland prevails, covering two-thirds of the region, interspersed by vine and olive cultivation, as well as arable land. Additionally, the imprint of human presence, through buildings, gardens, and roads, reveals 600 years of rural Tuscan life. Maintenance and restoration of all this is carried out by almost all the estates.

Workers’ welfare is a central part of sustainability in Chianti Classico, from promoting gender equality (39% of employees are women) and supporting a local workforce (92% live in the area, 73% in nearby towns) to creating pathways for social inclusion (37%). Additionally, the Consorzio recognizes that regions thrive when communities are socially connected and engaged, so their guidelines look at where people live to support growth in key local industries.

“Sustainability is a new lens through which we can look at our region – declares Carlotta Gori, the director of the Consorzio – Care and attention for the region is already at a high level, but like everyone, we can always do better. I believe that looking at our region with new eyes should be an area of focus for our protocol. Cultural sustainability has set us apart for centuries and is more relevant now than ever. We want to make it more evident to the consumer too, by using a dedicated symbol on the wine labels by certified producers.”

About the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico:

The Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico exists to protect, oversee, and valorize the Chianti Classico denomination. Since the Consortium’s founding in 1924, the organization has changed its name and the design of its logo, the Black Rooster, which since 2005 has been the trademark of the whole denomination. As one of the premier institutional organizations in the European Union in the grape-growing and winemaking sector, the consortium represents 96 percent of the DOCG production. The entire production chain is supervised by a public tracking system, which enables consumers all over the world to check the bottle they’ve purchased via the Consortium’s website. The Consortium also conducts research and development in the agronomic and enological fields, in collaboration with prestigious educational and research institutes. For more information, please visit www.chianticlassico.com.

Please note: The Consorzio counts on the professionalism of the press receiving this release and trusts that the term “Chianti Classico” will be neither changed nor abbreviated. Use of the term “Chianti” instead of “Chianti Classico” constitutes a major change in the information communicated here. The two terms represent two completely separate DOCGs with different terrains, histories and organisations. When an alternative to the term “Chianti Classico” is needed, we suggest using “Gallo Nero”, our logo which is synonymous with the DOCG “Chianti Classico”. Thank you for your understanding.

Media Contact

Shelby Sonkin

ssonkin@colangelopr.com

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SOURCE Chianti Classico

• $351,000 of funds raised will help provide classroom supplies in underserved communities
• Folds of Honor to receive donation of $381,000 through Freddy’s initiatives
• Guests and franchisees collected $46,000 to support rebuilding in Texas following devastating floods

WICHITA, Kan., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Guest donations across participating Freddy’s locations have helped generate more than $779,000 in support of nonprofit partners focused on education, military families, and disaster relief.

The contributions were raised through a series of seasonal round-up campaigns, with every cent donated to organizations making an immediate impact across the country, including Kids In Need Foundation, Folds of Honor, and Convoy of Hope. In addition to guest generosity, Freddy’s team members and franchise owners played a pivotal role in driving engagement, with some even matching donations to maximize impact.

“These campaigns speak to the power of small acts coming together to create meaningful change,” said Chris Dull, CEO of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. “We’re proud to support organizations doing such critical work, and we’re especially grateful to those who helped make this impact possible.”

Back-to-School Boost: $351,000 Raised for Kids In Need Foundation
From August 1–31, Freddy’s partnered with Kids In Need Foundation (KINF) to support students in underserved schools across the country. The campaign raised $351,022, helping provide essential classroom supplies and resources to ensure students and teachers are set up for success.

The campaign also coincided with KINF’s 30th year of service, honoring its national mission to promote educational equity.

Honoring Heroes: $381,000 Raised for Folds of Honor
In May, Freddy’s teamed up with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military members and first responders. Through generous guest participation, the campaign raised $381,905, supporting families pursuing academic opportunities across the country.

Folds of Honor has awarded more than 62,000 scholarships since its founding in 2007, with support from partners like Freddy’s helping to further expand access.

Standing Strong in Texas: $46,000 Raised for Flood Relief
Following widespread flooding across parts of Texas in early July, Freddy’s locations throughout the state partnered with Convoy of Hope to raise funds for disaster relief, particularly in Kerrville and surrounding Hill Country communities. From July 14 to July 31, guests donated $29,665 through the round-up program.

Freddy’s largest Texas-based franchise group, Lone Star Custard Holdings, LLC, contributed an additional $16,426 through a matching gift initiative across their 45 locations in the state, bringing the total raised to over $46,000.

Freddy’s commitment to giving back reflects its core values of hospitality and service. Whether it’s funding scholarships, filling backpacks, or providing relief supplies, the brand’s community-driven culture ensures guests can enjoy their steakburgers and frozen custard while knowing they’re also making a difference. For information on franchising opportunities with Freddy’s, visit freddysfranchising.com.

ABOUT FREDDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS


Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
 is a leading fast-casual franchise concept with over 575 locations across 36 states nationwide. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002, the brand offers a unique combination of cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, shoestring fries and other savory items, along with freshly churned frozen custard treats. Known for operating The Freddy’s Way, Guests experience genuine hospitality and food prepared fresh with premium ingredients. This signature approach has fueled Freddy’s ongoing growth throughout the U.S. and garnered national recognition from industry-leading rankings, including being named No. 23 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers + Shakers, No. 67 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and No. 36 on Yelp’s 50 Most Loved Brands. For more on Freddy’s, visit the Newsroom and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more information about development opportunities, visit freddysfranchising.com.

Media Contact: Paige Stark, Fishman Public Relations, pstark@fishmanpr.com

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SOURCE Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Surfrider Foundation’s 2025 State of the Beach Report reveals climate crisis impacts and proven nature-based strategies protecting coastlines from California to Puerto Rico

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — More than half of America’s sandy beaches will be lost by 2100 due to climate-driven sea level rise, but a groundbreaking new report shows communities are successfully fighting back with nature-based solutions — even as federal climate support dwindles.

The Surfrider Foundation’s 2025 State of the Beach Report documents accelerating coastal destruction across the United States while highlighting proven grassroots strategies that are protecting beaches from Hawaiʻi and California to New York and Puerto Rico. The report arrives as climate impacts intensify nationwide, with homes collapsing into the ocean, infrastructure failures mounting, and beach access threatened in coastal communities that generate billions in tourism revenue.

SURFRIDER’S 2025 STATE OF THE BEACH REPORT

“The predictions are grim. By 2100, more than 50% of our sandy beaches may be completely lost, with states like California facing 70% beach loss,” said Emma Haydocy, Surfrider’s Coasts & Climate Initiative Senior Manager. “But this report also reveals reasons for optimism. Through Surfrider’s Climate Action Program and regional policy campaigns, coastal communities are leading successful resilience efforts using nature-based solutions that traditional approaches like seawalls and sand renourishment cannot match.”

Climate Change Is Accelerating Erosion

Erosion of sandy beaches is a normal coastal process, but climate change is intensifying and compounding its impacts along our coasts. Sea levels are rising more quickly, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and beaches are disappearing faster than ever before. At the same time, rampant private development in idyllic coastal areas continues, encroaching on eroding beaches and contributing to what is known as “coastal squeeze.” Where beaches would naturally migrate inland in response to rising seas, development like buildings, roads, and seawalls block their path. Normally, these natural areas would shift to survive, but when trapped, they gradually narrow, erode, or disappear altogether.

Nearly every day, new stories emerge detailing devastating losses to our beaches and coastal communities due to the impacts of climate change and erosion. Just last week, nine homes collapsed into the ocean in Buxton, North Carolina — making it 21 total on Hatteras Island in the last five years — while many more remain in danger of a similar fate. On the West Coast, climate-fueled wildfires rendered Los Angeles area beaches unsafe for months, and in 2024, one of Southern California’s marquee surf destinations, San Onofre State Beach, was inaccessible due to the impacts of erosion.

Federal Retreat, Local Leadership

There has been a sharp divergence in federal climate policy following historic investments through the Inflation Reduction Act (2022) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021). Previously allocated climate resilience funding is being withdrawn, and proposed budget cuts threaten bedrock coastal management programs at NOAA.

“Lacking strong federal leadership, Surfrider is leaning into our grassroots network to lead at state and local levels,” said Zach Plopper, Surfrider’s Senior Environmental Director. “Our 200+ volunteer chapters and student clubs are working along nearly every stretch of U.S. coast to defend our beaches against climate change impacts, working with nature and fostering a greater sense of community every step of the way.”

The report features nine case studies from beaches across the country, including successful coastal restoration in Queens, New York, community-driven planning to identify solutions on beaches experiencing some of the worst erosion rates along the North Shore of Oʻahu, comprehensive policy changes to protect Oregon’s iconic beaches, and Surfrider’s gold standard managed retreat and coastal restoration project at Surfers’ Point in Ventura, California.

Many of these case studies focus on the work of the Climate Action Program, which builds on the coastal restoration efforts Surfrider’s chapter network has led in local communities for decades. In the first year since launching the program in April 2024, over 2,000 volunteers have removed more than 10,000 pounds of invasive species and planted over 55,000 native plants to restore over 20 acres of coastal habitat. 

While the prospect of losing our favorite beaches and coastal areas forever could be catastrophic for coastal communities, there are real solutions accessible to all of us at the local level. While these solutions look different along every coast, the Surfrider Foundation has identified several key strategies for success and reasons for optimism through the stories of progress and accomplishment in this year’s State of the Beach Report. Coastal communities can prepare and adapt to current and future challenges posed by climate change by collaborating with each other, and with nature, to foster community-led, nature-based solutions and strong, science-driven resilience policy.

The complete 2025 State of the Beach Report is available here .

About the Surfrider Foundation:

The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s ocean, waves, and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over one million supporters, activists, and members, with more than 200 volunteer-led chapters and student clubs in the U.S., and more than 900 victories protecting our coasts. Learn more at surfrider.org.

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SOURCE Surfrider Foundation