• The first thing that comes to mind is my young activist in me that says, of course, let's just fight. Let's just do what we can to speak out against, be revolutionary, be, you know, like we were when we were young in the 60s, 70s. Now I think that my response is to stop and to slow down and to do some deep listening and some meditation and to ground myself because I don't know what to do at this point in time, at all.

My second conscient conversation with composer and acoustic ecologist Hildegard Westerkamp. The first took place on March 31, 2021 in Vancouver, e22 westerkamp – slowing down through listening, and this second took place on March 17, 2025 in Vancouver BC which is on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.. Hildi is also featured in numerous other episodes of this podcast including 157, 170 and 226. I asked Hildi to focus our conversation on her childhood in post war Germany and how her upbringing has affected her work as an artist and listener. This is especially relevant as authoritarian regimes are unfolding around the world. I think we are well served by listening to our elders who have important stories to tell. 

Show notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AI

Actions

• Acknowledge the importance of slowing down and listening deeply in times of crisis
• Recognize the lasting impact of childhood experiences, particularly in environments of trauma and upheaval
• Seek calm and open spaces to foster creativity and profound change
• Embrace the creative spirit and artistic behavior as essential for survival and resilience
• Connect with others and use intelligence and senses to navigate challenging moments

Story Preview

Hildegard Westerkamp reflects on a childhood shaped by the ruins and lingering fears of post-war Germany, revealing how early exposure to trauma and a deep connection to nature forged her path as an artist and listener. Hear how immigrating to Canada gave her the space to heal and create.

Chapter Summary

00:00 The Activist’s Dilemma
00:47 Childhood Reflections
02:06 The Impact of War
06:05 Rebellion and Reflection
08:05 Finding Creative Freedom
10:01 Art in Times of Crisis
12:50 The Spirit of Resilience

Featured Quotes

• To make change on a more profound level, you have to almost distance yourself from the crisis and be in a place of calm.
• The first thing that comes to mind is my young activist in me that says, of course, let’s just fight.
• In hindsight, it was that connection to the outdoors, to the being in the forest and in the garden, that I think really shaped me.

Behind the Story

Hildegard Westerkamp’s narrative paints a picture of a generation grappling with the unspoken horrors of war and the weight of collective guilt. Her story highlights the importance of acknowledging the past, finding solace in nature, and cultivating inner calm to foster creativity and resilience in the face of ongoing global challenges.

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END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODES

Hey conscient listeners, 

I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020 on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). 

It’s my way to give back.

In parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish free ‘a calm presence' Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.

Your feedback is always welcome at [email protected] and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads, BlueSky, Mastodon, Tik Tok, YouTube and Substack.

Share what you like, etc

I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. 

Claude Schryer

Latest update on July 8, 2025