Paul Hawken is the legendary author behind myriad best-sellers, including most recently Regeneration: Ending the climate crisis in one generation, and before it, Drawdown: The most comprehensive plan ever proposed to reverse global warming. Both books were accompanied by comprehensive online portals that continue to engage people from all walks, all around the world. Paul’s next book is a more personal volume – perhaps his most personal. It’s called Carbon: The book of life. And ahead of its release, it was my privilege to join him at his place near San Francisco, to talk about the book, and so much else, in what might be his most personal podcast too.

The upcoming book puts carbon back into perspective, as no less than the centerpiece of life itself. If you’re anything like me, be prepared to have your mind blown. You won’t see, or perhaps more pointedly hear, the world the same way again. In some ways, this book feels like a legacy piece. And so too this podcast. Not that they’re the last we’ll hear from Paul (the next book is already in mind). But this feels like a very special moment in time with this extraordinary writer, journo, entrepreneur, consultant to world leaders, and so much more. And it culminates in a world premiere reading, of the rousing finale to the book – accompanied uncannily by some notable sounds from around the garden.

Chapter markers & transcript.

Recorded 27 April 2024.

Title slide: Paul & AJ (pic: Olivia Cheng).

See more photos on the episode website, and for more from behind the scenes, become a paid subscriber via the links below.

Music:

Green Shoots, by The Nomadics.

Regeneration, by Amelia Barden, from Regenerating Australia.

Cascade Falls.

The RegenNarration playlist, music chosen by guests.

Find more:

The most popular episode on this podcast, with Paul on the release of Regeneration, for ep.96.

And from the Kimberley,

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