In a world of either-or thinking, where you’re expected to choose between hugging trees or hugging flags, Katherine Lacefield offers a refreshing alternative. The founder of Just Be Cause Consulting and host of the Just Be Cause Podcast joins us to dismantle the false binaries that plague environmental and animal rights movements. With candor and hard-won wisdom, she shares her journey from "crazy vegan" activism to a more nuanced understanding of how we create lasting change. Katherine reminds us that perfection isn’t the goal—connection is. Whether it’s a well-meaning mother buying the wrong cheese or an environmentalist grilling a steak, shaming people for imperfection only pushes potential allies away. The real work, she argues, lies in meeting people where they are and recognizing that caring about animals doesn’t mean you don’t care about people, and vice versa.

Katherine’s extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising and philanthropy reveals a sector struggling with siloed thinking and resource distribution problems masquerading as resource scarcity. She challenges the philanthropic status quo, questioning why massive endowments sit in perpetuity while urgent environmental crises demand action now. Her vision for the future involves wealth transfer that empowers nonprofits to focus on impact rather than endless grant applications, and a cultural shift away from ego-driven legacy projects toward collaborative, intersectional problem-solving. From her travels across continents to her work with organizations bridging human and animal welfare, Katherine has witnessed firsthand how interconnected our challenges truly are—and how collaboration, not competition, offers our best path forward.

This conversation tackles the uncomfortable truths about consumption, privilege, and the paralyzing fear of not doing enough. Katherine doesn’t offer easy answers because there aren’t any. Instead, she provides something more valuable: permission to be imperfect, encouragement to contribute according to your unique passions and bandwidth, and a framework for understanding that we don't have a resource problem—we have a distribution problem. In a time when despair and division seem to dominate the discourse, Katherine’s message is one of pragmatic hope rooted in gratitude, awareness, and the recognition that every authentic effort, no matter how small, matters.

Takeaways

1. In this episode, we explored the false dichotomy between environmental stewardship and human well-being.
2. Kathryn Lacefield reminds us that pursuing purity in activism can alienate potential allies, leading to a counterproductive cycle of division.
3. We discussed how viewing whatever motivates us as isolated issues neglects the deep connections among justice, environmental stewardship, and human well-being.
4. The conversation highlighted the importance of empathy and collaboration in tackling climate challenges, reminding us that progress requires collective effort.

Resources

1. Just Because Consulting
2. Just Because Podcast
3. Earthbound Podcast
4. Global Warming Is Real

With this bonus holiday episode, I revisit a short article I originally wrote for a now-defunct website and republished on Medium back in 2022. Blood and Cigarettes takes us back to Christmas Eve and the trenches of World War I, and how redemption can be found in the unlikeliest of places.

Ever since I heard the story of the Christmas Truce of 1914, it has intrigued me. The poignant tale of the 1914 Christmas Truce serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity, even amidst the chaos of war. This was not a truce fiercely negotiated by generals miles from the front, but an impromptu laying down of arms by the battered grunts in the trenches. The collective power of the human spirit reached across the barren no man’s land, transforming it into common ground.

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their erstwhile enemies, they offered each other cigarettes, sang Christmas carols, and played football. The next day, they could return to war. Tonight was a different story.

I keep coming back to this story at this time of year (especially this year) because it starkly illustrates the power of storytelling and mythmaking. Myth is not falsehood. We navigate the long night of winter, the dark solstice, with a tapestry of stories and myths patched together through the weaver of time. One thread that weaves its way through them all is our shared humanity. Try as one ideology or another would reject any common association with the other, it is there, a single fiber that binds us together even as we crouch in our trenches of imagined division.

Can we not find inspiration in this tale, questioning our own narratives and the divisions they create? I challenge myself and you, dear listener, to seek common ground, to understand that we all inhabit this planet together, and to embrace our shared humanity.

A New Name for Season Two

As we conclude season one of the podcast, we are transitioning to our new name, Earthbound.

We have many more great interviews and thought-provoking episodes in store for the new season.

Thank you for listening.

Takeaways:

1. The 1914 Christmas truce during World War I exemplified humanity's capacity for empathy amidst conflict.
2. Myths and narratives shape our lives, influencing our values, purpose, and ultimately our actions.
3. In a poignant moment, soldiers from opposing sides united in the spirit of Christmas, transcending their enmity.
4. The human condition is a constant struggle between our better angels and darker impulses, especially in times of strife.
5. This holiday season, we are reminded of our potential to be a light in the darkness, just as those soldiers were.
6. The fleeting peace of the Christmas truce highlights the importance of finding common ground in divisive times.

Resources:

The Story of the 1914 Christmas Truce

Exploring the intersection of art, science, and environmental activism, this episode features thought provoking conversation with Joshua Harrison, director of the Center for the Study of the Force Majeure based at the University of California, Santa Cruz. 

The art-science environmental research collaborative challenges us to rethink our relationship with the planet and provoke us into thinking beyond the status quo and our long-held assumption about how the world works and our relationship to it. Harrison's work lives at the edges: the intersection of disciplines, the boundaries between land and water, and the uncomfortable space between what we know and what we choose to ignore. Through immersive installations like the Sensorium for the World Ocean and community-based fire ecology projects with indigenous partners, Harrison is pioneering new ways to help us feel—not just understand—our impact on the world that sustains us. 

Harrison unpacks why our modern disconnection from nature isn't just a philosophical problem, but a practical crisis with deadly consequences. From the urban heat island effect claiming thousands of lives to overgrown forests fueling catastrophic wildfires, he reveals how abandoning circularity, community, and indigenous wisdom has left us vulnerable to the very "acts of God" his center studies. 

Yet Harrison refuses to leave us in despair.

He traces the history of American innovation and destruction—from victory gardens to planned obsolescence, from universal education to the current brain drain—while pointing to concrete solutions: greening cities to match pre-colonial temperatures, recovering cultural burning practices, and building appreciating assets rather than extracting depreciating ones. The conversation explores how California's fire management thinking has shifted dramatically in just five years, proving that rapid change is possible when we're willing to learn.

That's Harrison's message for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the scale of environmental crisis. 

He illustrates how mapping local resilience projects, connecting young people to place-based action, and finding the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, and what needs fixing offers a practical antidote to paralysis. 

As Gary Snyder reminds us: “Find your place in the world, dig in, and take responsibility from there.”

Resources:

• Center for the Study of the Force Majeure
• Leaf Island
• Joshua Harrison on LinkedIn

In this short bonus episode, I briefly examine the complexities of modern consumerism and the often-overlooked hidden costs of our convenience-driven shopping habits. As we rush into another holiday shopping season, I revisit a 2018 article that explored the darker side of online shopping convenience, particularly during events like Cyber Monday.

The rapid evolution of retail and escalating consumer expectations, from the demand for same-day delivery to the profound human cost on logistics and fulfillment workers, present a stark reality. 

We’ll hear poignant accounts from industry workers, revealing the grim conditions that often go unnoticed as we click “buy now." As consumers, our knowledge and awareness empower us to make conscious decisions about what, where, and how we shop.

Takeaways:

• The rapid convenience of online shopping has hidden costs, both financial and ethical, that we need to acknowledge. 
• Witnessing the human toll behind instantaneous deliveries can change our perspective on what convenience really costs us. 
• As consumers, we have the power to reshape expectations and demand better working conditions for retail workers. 
• The dark side of e-commerce reveals uncomfortable truths about logistics and labor that are often overlooked. 
• With increased awareness, we can make informed decisions about our consumption habits and their broader impacts.

Resources:

• New York Times: The Daily Podcast: The Human Toll of Instant Delivery 
• The Nation: Amazon’s Prime Sweatshop Is Nothing to Celebrate
• Original article in Medium
• GlobalWarmingIsReal.com
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The 1970s “Crying Indian” campaign, as it came to be known, with its poignant imagery and simple message about littering, has left an indelible mark on American culture. 

Yet, as we unpack the history and implications of this campaign, we discover that not all was as it appeared. 

It served as a brilliant marketing tactic by corporations to shift the onus of pollution onto individuals, effectively masking the real environmental damage caused by corporate practices. The origins of the Keep America Beautiful campaign reveal how it was strategically designed to deflect attention from industry-generated pollution and place the blame squarely on consumers. 

The campaign highlights the pernicious nature of greenwashing and its evolution into the modern business landscape, where companies often prioritize image over genuine environmental responsibility.  Our guest, Lee Stewart, is the author of How to Build Sustainability Into Your Business Strategy: A Practical No-Nonsense Guide for Business Leaders.

His work and book provide insight into how businesses can navigate this complex terrain. He emphasizes the need to shift from superficial sustainability claims to authentic action. 

Drawing from his extensive experience across various industries, Lee outlines practical steps for integrating sustainability into business operations. He advocates for a triple bottom line approach, where profit, people, and planet are equally prioritized, and urges business leaders to engage their teams in meaningful conversations about sustainability. 

Takeaways:

• The iconic Crying Indian ad, while effective in reducing litter, also shifted blame onto individuals, diverting attention from corporate pollution. 
• Cody Iron Eyes, the face of the ad, wasn’t actually Native American, raising questions about authenticity in environmental messaging. 
• Authentic sustainability efforts must focus on systemic change rather than merely reducing individual litter, or they risk becoming greenwashing. 
• Lee Stewart advocates for actionable sustainability strategies that genuinely engage businesses to create long-term environmental benefits. 
• A robust sustainability strategy involves understanding the business’s impact, engaging employees, and aligning with customer expectations for a competitive edge. 
• The call for transparency in sustainability practices is growing, with frameworks, like Lee Stewart’s Triple C framework, requiring companies to disclose their carbon emissions and environmental impacts.

Resources:

• Lee Stewart Book, Bio, Media, and Press
• Cody Iron Eyes and Keep America Beautiful
• Global Warming is Real

Feed the inner duck

Not with human news

Or greedy things that suck,

But give it quiet views;

Comments from the moon.

Opinions from the sky.

The insights of a tune.

The wisdom of a sigh.

-Michael Leunig

In a world hurtling toward what feels like an inevitable cliff, our daily algorithmically fed news cycles have evolved from continuous to relentless, reaching a brutal intensity that leaves many feeling shell-shocked and powerless. We may be shell-shocked, but we are not powerless.

In this episode, I explore parallels between our current political moment and historical patterns of crisis, highlighting the work of William Strauss and Neil Howe, who proposed the Strauss-Howe Generational Theory and the concept of “The Fourth Turning,” as described in their 197 best-selling book of the same name (and expounded upon in a 2023 sequel, The Fourth Turning is Here. The theory defines a Fourth Turning as a crisis period, a decisive era of upheaval that reshapes societies every 80 to 100 years. World War II ended 80 years ago.

As we navigate what appears to be a contemporary Fourth Turning, characterized by authoritarian challenges, democratic erosion, and an alarmingly tepid response to the climate crisis, the question becomes not whether we can survive these historical forces, but how we can respond with wisdom and resilience.

From here, my discussion takes a whimsical turn as I explore the wisdom of ‘following your inner duck.’ Australian artist and philosopher Michael Leunig renders a simple image of a humble man praying to a caring duck—his inner duck. The image is poignant in its simplicity.

Amidst the noise, the notion of following our inner duck emerges as a whimsical yet profound metaphor for grounding ourselves in intuition and authenticity, reminding us to seek beauty and connection rather than get lost in the chaos. Leunig’s Duck invites a sincere approach to life, suggesting that by connecting with our inner selves—our ‘ducks’—we can navigate life’s storms and the historical forces bearing down with clarity and purpose.

By prioritizing beauty, humility, and connection, we can cultivate a quiet resilience rooted in peace and empathy that not only helps us endure the present but also empowers us to navigate crises, a Fourth Turning, toward a brighter future.

Ultimately, this episode is a thoughtful blend of history, philosophy, and practical wisdom, inviting us to reflect on our capacity for hope and action in the face of adversity.

1. The relentless nature of today's news cycle can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, much like historical political blitzkriegs.
2. Understanding historical patterns, such as Strauss and Howe's generational theory, can offer insights into our current societal crises and challenges.
3. The importance of finding calm and balance, symbolized by the metaphor of following our inner duck, is crucial in navigating chaotic times.
4. The Fourth Turning, as articulated by Strauss and Howe, suggests we are in a decisive era that will shape our society for decades to come.
5. Even in the bleakest moments, maintaining hope and resilience is essential, as history shows us that crisis can lead to renewal and transformation.
6. Engaging with our values and seeking beauty amidst chaos can help us remain grounded and effective in our responses to societal challenges.

1. The Fourth Turning
2. The Strauss-Howe Generational Theory
3. Michael Leunig
4. The School for Duck Whisperers Podcast
5. TSDW on LinkedIn
6. GlobalWarmingisReal.com

The art of preparation in today's polycrisis, conspiracy-driven world is far from straightforward. In all cases, it is an art that encompasses, among other things, science-based common sense and community-oriented planning. Just as important is a sense of humor. With preparation, we can laugh in the face of the Apocalypse! 

As we navigate the eerie and unsettling landscape of climate change and societal upheaval, the notion of being prepared has evolved into a complex tapestry of ideologies and practices. 

Our guest, Jennifer Heller, the founder of Here Comes the Apocalypse, dives into this transformation, offering a refreshing perspective that strips away the theatrics often associated with disaster preparedness. 

Heller’s approach is grounded in community spirit and practical solutions, advocating for an informed yet light-hearted method of preparing for the unexpected. Through her personal experiences, including the loss of two close relatives' homes in two separate California wildfires, she emphasizes the critical importance of having a structured disaster plan that is accessible, sensible, and grounded in reality.

Heller’s unique brand of humor shines throughout our chat, reminding us that while the topics at hand may often be grim, a dash of wit can make the daunting task of preparing for disaster a bit more palatable. Her program, Here Comes the Apocalypse, is not just about survival; it's about recovery and fostering a sense of community where preparedness is a shared responsibility. 

We conclude our conversation by remembering that, amidst the chaos, we should not lose sight of the joy in our daily lives.

Humor and gratitude can keep us sane in crazy times.

Takeaways:

• In an uncertain world, being prepared is not just a motto but a necessity for survival, as the reality of disasters is increasingly undeniable.
• Humor can play a crucial role in disaster preparedness, helping to lighten the weight of serious topics while equipping ourselves for potential crises.
• Local community engagement and cooperation are essential; when disaster strikes, your neighbors may be your best resources for support and safety.
• The traditional prepper mentality can be daunting, but practical approaches to preparedness can empower individuals without succumbing to paranoia or extremism.
• Having physical copies of important documents is vital; during a disaster, relying solely on digital information can lead to unnecessary complications and stress.
• Fostering a sense of community resilience not only prepares us for disasters but also cultivates connections that can enrich our everyday lives.

Resources:

• Jennifer Heller
• Here Comes the Apocalypse
• FEMA Community Emergency Response Training
• GlobalWarmingIsReal

If you’re like me, by the time you first heard about the Golden Toad, it was already gone. A flash of gold high in the damp cloud forest of Costa Rica. This mysterious and elusive species, native to a tiny habitat in the misty clouds of Costa Rica, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems and the impacts of climate change. 

In this episode, I chat with Kyle and Trevor Ritland, authors of “The Golden: An Ecological Mystery and the Search for a Lost Species.”  

The Ritland brothers take us through their heartfelt exploration of this lost species, intertwining personal stories with scientific inquiry. Initially discovered in the 1960s, the golden toad became a fleeting marvel for scientists before being declared extinct just a few decades later. The episode paints a vivid picture of the golden toad’s unique habitat—its high-altitude, mist-laden world that mirrors the fragility of its existence.

As the brothers recount their journey, they reflect on the ecological and emotional impacts of extinction. They discuss the dual threats of climate change and the chytrid fungus that may have conspired to silence the golden toad forever. 

Through their investigation, they emphasize the urgent need for conservation efforts in the face of global environmental changes. They also grapple with the ethical considerations of scientific inquiry, questioning how outsiders can respectfully engage with local ecosystems without causing harm. The episode leaves us pondering whether the golden toad truly vanished or if it remains hidden within unexplored niches of its mountainous home. 

The Ritland brothers inspire hope, even in the face of extinction, reminding us all that the loss of biodiversity is not just a tale of despair but also a call to action to protect our planet’s delicate ecosystems.

Takeaways:

• The golden toad, once an icon of biodiversity in Costa Rica, was officially declared extinct in 2005, making its story one of both loss and ongoing mystery.
• Two primary factors contributed to the golden toad's extinction: climate change and the deadly chytrid fungus that decimated amphibian populations globally. 
• Local communities play a crucial role in conservation efforts, balancing scientific inquiry with indigenous knowledge to protect the fragile ecosystems of Monteverde. 
• The search for the golden toad highlights the interconnectedness of species survival and the importance of preserving habitats amidst climate change pressures. 
• Despite being declared extinct, the possibility remains that the golden toad could still exist in undiscovered, damp microhabitats, prompting ongoing hope and exploration. 
• Conservation initiatives like the Children’s Eternal Rainforest exemplify successful collaborations between local expertise and international support, aiming to preserve biodiversity. 

Links, References, and Resources

• The Golden Toad: An Ecological Mystery and the Search for a Lost Species
• Kyle and Trevor Ritland
• Adventure Term
• Children’s Eternal Rainforest 
• Monteverde Conservation League
• International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List
• The Golden Toad
• Chytrid and Climate
• Global Warming is Real

Amidst the Appalachian dawn, our exploration of community resilience and environmental justice unfolds through the lens of Denali Sai Nalamalapu, author of ‘Holler: A Graphic Memoir of Rural Resistance.’ The Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) stands as a stark reminder of the battles waged by local communities against encroaching corporate interests. Denali expertly articulates the complexities of this decade-long struggle, revealing how the MVP’s construction, initially presented as a critical energy project, has instead become a symbol of corporate overreach and environmental degradation.

The MVP was met with fierce and determined opposition from a diverse community of residents who understood the potential dangers it posed to their land, water supply, and way of life. We discuss the labyrinthine, back-slapping political maneuvering that allowed the MVP to be approved. A Faustian bargain at the highest levels, where environmental concerns and legitimate legal challenges were sidelined in favor of fossil fuel development–thanks to the intransigence of Senator Joe Manchin.

Denali shares her experience and the stories of others who have dedicated a decade or more of their lives to the fight, demonstrating that the struggle against the MVP was not just about preserving land or one pipeline, but also about asserting the rights of communities to defend their homes. The episode highlights how grassroots activism can mobilize resistance across diverse voices as a powerful force against exploitation.

The ongoing resistance against the expansion of the MVP into North Carolina serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to back down in the face of corporate giants.

Denali’s insights remind us that while the battle may be tough, the path toward justice, environmental stewardship, and energy sanity is one worth pursuing. We can confront the Goliaths of our time, armed with resilience, community, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Takeaways:

• The Mountain Valley Pipeline controversy underscores the conflict between local communities and corporate interests that prioritize profit over environmental well-being.
• Grassroots activism is not just a youthful endeavor; it encompasses voices from all ages, demonstrating the power of intergenerational solidarity in the pursuit of environmental justice.
• Despite the Mountain Valley Pipeline's construction, the ongoing resistance reflects a resilient community spirit that continues to challenge corporate exploitation of natural resources.
• Storytelling through graphic novels, as seen in Denali Sai Nalamalapu's work, is a compelling medium for conveying complex environmental issues to broader audiences.
• The fight against the Mountain Valley Pipeline underscores the importance of local knowledge and community connections in combating environmental injustices.
• Even in the face of setbacks, such as the pipeline's approval, the unity and determination of the Appalachian community serve as a beacon of hope for future climate action.

References:

• Denali Sai Nalamalapu
• Hollar: A Graphic Memoir of Rural Resistance
• Mountain Valley Pipeline
• MVP “Misleading and Disengenuous”
• Veterans fighting MVP
• GlobalWarmingIsReal

The power of stories to shape our understanding of the world is a central theme explored in this episode. We welcome Laurel Colless, an author dedicated to igniting the imaginations of young readers through her Peter Blue series of fantasy-adventure novels.

By infusing her narratives with real-world environmental issues, Laurel not only entertains but also educates, allowing children and adolescents to confront the complexities of climate change. Our discussion explores how Peter Blue and his friends confront ecological challenges, transforming fear into hope and agency through teamwork and imaginative problem-solving.

Our discussion navigates the challenges of communicating urgent topics to a younger audience without overwhelming them. Laurel shares her insights on how fantasy can be a vehicle for addressing serious issues, transforming fear into empowerment. We also touch on the significance of humor and hope in storytelling, emphasizing that these elements can provide a necessary balance in discussions about climate anxiety. As we follow Laurel’s journey from corporate sustainability to children’s literature, listeners gain insight into the transformative potential of narratives.

This episode is a celebration of creativity and a testament to the importance of fostering a hopeful vision for the future, reminding us all that through storytelling, we can inspire change and resilience.

Takeaways:

1. We are a storytelling species. The most powerful technology throughout human history is storytelling, shaping civilizations and beliefs.
2. As myth-makers and storytellers, we use stories to navigate our understanding of the universe and our place within it.
3. Children's literature can be a force for good, addressing climate change through engaging narratives.
4. Creating a compelling narrative around climate action is crucial for inspiring a global response to the crisis.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. Renagale Tales
2. Eye of the Stormlord
3. Knights Unite
4. Carbon Busters
5. GlobalWarmingIsReal.com

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