EarthRising Podcast

In this episode we hear from Glenn Albrecht, an environmental philosopher who was Professor of Sustainability at Murdoch University in Western Australia until he retired in 2014. He has written and lectured extensively about how to bring meaning to our relationship with the Earth through the use and cultivation of language.

We explore how Glenn has created powerful new words to help us process and make sense of our emotions regarding climate change. In spite of the uphill battles we face in regards to environmental destruction, Glenn remains optimistic. He speaks to this as he outlines a vision for humanity to enter a new era he calls the Symbiocene—one that is in greater alignment with the natural world—in order to safeguard biodiversity for future generations.

Episode Links:

Earth Emotions: New Words for a New World  by Glenn A Albrecht

The age of solastalgia by Glenn A Albrecht (article featuring impact of open-cut coal mining and images in the Upper Hunter region of NSW that we speak about during this episode)

TEDxSydney: Environment Change, Distress & Human Emotion Solastalgia

We first heard about artist Louis Masai during Season 1, Episode 4 of EarthRising when I interviewed Julia and Cheli of Conservation Optimism and their collaboration with him for a commission of 6 large scale murals of endangered species at ZSL London Zoo.  They highlighted his art when speaking of  the important role that art may play in shedding light on issues surrounding conservation.

In this episode, I explore the topic of art's impact on conservation with Louis directly. He shares his journey as an artist and views about how art can motivate and inspire us to deepen our learning and be more engaged with animal rights and environmental justice issues.

I encourage you to check out Louis's art referenced throughout the episode on his website or on Instagram.

Episode Links:

Louis Masai

Beautiful Losers: Contemporary Art and Street Culture

In this episode we’ll be hearing from Greta Francesca Iori, a wildlife crime and conservation adviser to various African governments, international organizations and NGOs. Greta is motivated by a deep love of nature stemming from her time spent outdoors from a young age with her family in Ethiopia. Her life goals include bringing an end to the illegal wildlife trade, resolving human-wildlife conflict, and encouraging more sustainable, just and inclusive conservation development models across the Horn of Africa.

During our conversation, Greta discusses her vision to move animal conservation and advocacy forward in Africa. This includes the importance of women being more actively involved at all levels of conservation and anti-poaching initiatives. She also shares advice from the heart if you’re motivated to take action for nature in your own life.

Episode Links:

https://linktr.ee/gretafiori

Female Rangers and Anti-Poaching Strategies to Stem Corruption

Elephant Protection Initiative

Greta Francesca Iori on Instagram

In this episode I’m speaking with Dr. Ellis Jones, a sociologist and professor at College of the Holy Cross who focuses on social responsibility, global citizenship and everyday activism, all with an emphasis on how to turn environmental idealism into practical action. He has created  The Better World shopping guides, website and apps that focus on how to approach consumerism in a more environmentally conscious manner.

During our conversation, we explore how to hold power accountable, the path of reclaiming our collective voice in society and the move toward global citizenship--all with an eye on creating a more sustainable and environmentally just planet.

Episode Links:

Tao Te Ching

Better World Shopper 

Apps:

Better World Shopper

Voter Glass

Media Glass

Welcome to Season 2 of EarthRising! We will continue to explore a deeper connection to our planet through the lens of the arts, spirituality and conservation. 

Conversations with engaged individuals from around the globe will include topics on social and environmental justice, art for animal rights advocacy, combatting the illegal wildlife trade, women’s involvement in conservation, ethical consumer guides and spirituality’s role in cultivating the perspective of a sacred Earth.

As interviews continue to unfold, I wish you the same renewed sense of inspiration that I’ve felt speaking with these amazing people and learning about their Earth advocacy.

In this wrap-up episode for season one of EarthRising, key themes and ideas are explored that have emerged from guest interviews. We have been hearing from inspired individuals who cultivate a sacred view of our Earth, including engaged activists, artists, conservationists, and spiritual thinkers. 

By contemplating their actions, the goal is to better learn:
:: how to listen to the Earth,
:: how to be in relationship with the Earth more directly,
:: and how to recognize that we are a part of nature.

As interviews unfolded this season, an examination has been playing out on both an inner and an outer level. This episode reviews highlights from this journey and  reflects on listener feedback from around the globe.

In this episode, spiritual thinker and artist April Stevens and I explore what a meaningful spiritual life looks like during our modern era. We consider teachings from Buddhist meditation masters Chogyam Trungpa and Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche that provide a deeper insight into our mind’s interconnection with the natural world. We also discuss living through pandemic times, and April closes our conversation with a powerful poem by Naomi Shihab Nye.

April Stevens is a seasoned meditation practitioner in the Buddhist tradition, as well as a trained artist and art educator. She runs the Meditation Training Center of Denver with her husband Jeffrey Stevens, providing a space for people to come together to explore spiritual practice and cultivate community.

Episode Links:

In Love with the World: A Monk’s Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying By Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche with Helen Tworkov

Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior By Chogyam Trungpa

In this episode I’m speaking with Tomi Makanjuola, a culinary entrepreneur also known as The Vegan Nigerian. We contemplate the power of food and food choices in our everyday lives, and how food systems have a direct impact on the state of our planet and physical health on a personal and collective level. 

Tomi also shares her thoughts on cooking as an art form and the importance of having sacred food rituals in our lives, and how our relationship to food can play a powerful role in healing our relationship to the Earth. Tomi also explains intersectionality and how it relates to our food choices.

Episode Links:

The Vegan Nigerian

The Vegan Nigerian Guide to Going Vegan

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Key Conservation is currently developing a mobile app to drive positive impact for wildlife and nature by connecting people to the front lines of conservation. This will be carried out in real-time through the app by providing opportunities to offer skill sets, funding and in-person volunteering to small conservation organizations all over the world.

Founder Megan Cromp and Team Operations Lead Daria Sheik share their backgrounds as conservationists and what has gone into forming Key Conservation. We discuss teamwork and staying motivated in the face of obstacles facing conservation today, and how to connect the dots between people and conservation initiatives to help save animals and ecosystems.

Christine Valters Paintner has spent her career and life as a Benedictine oblate exploring the link between the disciplines of making art and having a spiritual practice. We contemplate how these two disciplines provide an access point for relating to the natural world and deepening our relationship to Earth, while activating our imagination and relationship to mystery.

Christine also shares what it can mean to slow down and cultivate a contemplative practice in the midst of our busy lives, including some practical ideas and insights for how to do this. She is also a poet and we end the interview with an offering from her writings.