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.

• The relentless nature of today's news cycle can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, much like historical political blitzkriegs.
• Understanding historical patterns, such as Strauss and Howe's generational theory, can offer insights into our current societal crises and challenges.
• The importance of finding calm and balance, symbolized by the metaphor of following our inner duck, is crucial in navigating chaotic times.
• 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.
• Even in the bleakest moments, maintaining hope and resilience is essential, as history shows us that crisis can lead to renewal and transformation.
• Engaging with our values and seeking beauty amidst chaos can help us remain grounded and effective in our responses to societal challenges.

• The Fourth Turning
• The Strauss-Howe Generational Theory
• Michael Leunig
• The School for Duck Whisperers Podcast
• TSDW on LinkedIn
• 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:

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

Links referenced in this episode:

• Renagale Tales
• Eye of the Stormlord
• Knights Unite
• Carbon Busters
• GlobalWarmingIsReal.com

"Wildfire is actually a natural part of our ecosystems and our landscape, particularly in the American West. Fires had been burning naturally for millennia and keeping the forest healthy."

"It's the most incredible job. It's so fulfilling and exciting and fascinating... just seeing how fire moves on the landscape and how we can use fire intentionally to stop wildfires."

-Kelly Ramsey

The historical context of wildfire management reveals a legacy of suppression dating back to the Big Burn of 1910, which initiated a paradigm shift in how we perceive and respond to fire in our ecosystems.

In this engaging episode, we confront the alarming reality of wildfires in California and the American West with someone who was on the front lines fighting wildfires during the most devastating and destructive years in California's history, when more than 4 million acres burned in 2020.

My guest, Kelly Ramsey, is an engaging storyteller who brings a fresh perspective to the conversation as a hotshot firefighter and author of "Wildfire Days: A Woman, a Hotshot Crew, and the Burning of the American West."

With a background in poetry and fiction, Kelly's journey to the fire line adds a unique and captivating narrative to the discussion. Our discussion touches on the pressing need for policy reform that embraces fire as a natural part of the landscape rather than something to be eradicated at all costs. In addition, she candidly shares her challenges as a female firefighter in a male-dominated crew and the complex dynamics of teamwork under extreme conditions.

Through intimate storytelling, she reveals the physical and psychological demands of fighting fires on the front lines, the century-old forest management policies that have intensified today's wildfire crisis, what it takes to earn respect as the only woman on a testosterone-rich elite wildfire crew, and the complex dynamics of teamwork under extreme conditions.

Our conversation weaves together personal narrative, environmental urgency, and a call to action for supporting the firefighters who risk everything to protect our forests and communities. Kelly's insights challenge common misconceptions about wildfire suppression while offering hope through indigenous fire management practices and community engagement.

As we explore the psychological and physical demands of firefighting, this episode serves as a vital reminder of the human stories behind the statistics and the urgent need for community engagement and policy transformation in forest management.

Takeaways:

• The historical suppression of wildfires has led to dangerously dense forests, increasing fire intensity.
• Indigenous practices of fire management are crucial for restoring ecosystems and preventing catastrophic wildfires.
• Wildland firefighting is a physically and mentally demanding job that comes with significant health risks and challenges.
• The mismanagement of forest resources has resulted in a crisis where climate change and wildfires converge dangerously.
• Despite the heroic efforts of firefighters, the system often undervalues their contributions and struggles with staffing shortages.
• Kelly Ramsey's journey from writer to firefighter illustrates the unexpected paths one can take in pursuing passion and purpose.

Resources:

Kelly Ramsey

Buy the Book!

Grassroots Wildland Firefighters: A Voice for Federal Wildland Firefighters

The Big Burn of 1910

2020 Gigafire

GlobalWarmingisReal.com

ABC 10 (Opening Audio):

https://youtu.be/roLRvN4W2XI?si=oPN0gwmmU-zLUBBm

My conversation with Bridget Shirvell, author of 'Parenting in a Climate Crisis', explores the challenge of raising children in an era defined by environmental uncertainty.

Acknowledging the universal desire of parents to leave behind a livable world for the next generation, we discuss how to balance hope and reality in parenting amidst climate anxiety.

Bridget Shirvell's insights help guide parents in instilling a love for nature and equipping their children with the resilience and critical thinking skills necessary for navigating a world fraught with ecological challenges.

She shares her own transformative journey from food systems reporter to a concerned mother, illustrating how personal experiences shape our understanding of climate issues.

Our conversation explores practical strategies for parents, such as nurturing a sense of community and making everyday actions meaningful, as well as the empowering possibilities for shaping a better future together.

Children are our hope, for they are the future. Our job is to prepare them for the world they will inherit. Parenting in a Climate Crisis: A Handbook for Turning Fear into Action helps guide a path forward.

Takeaways:

• It's essential for parents to instill a sense of hope and resilience in their children about climate change, ensuring they can thrive in an uncertain world.
• Bridget Schirvell emphasizes the importance of nurturing a love for nature as a foundation for raising environmentally conscious kids amidst the climate crisis.
• Conversations about climate change don't have to be overwhelming; they can be integrated into daily life through simple actions and observations.
• Building community resilience is vital; sharing resources and fostering connections with neighbors can significantly mitigate the effects of climate challenges.

Resources:

Bridget Shirvell

Journalist Portfolio

GlobalWarmingIsReal

Exploring the multifaceted nature of sound, this episode features an enlightening conversation with Chris Berdick about his book, Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World and How We Can Take It Back.

Berdick discusses the physiological and psychological implications of noise pollution, drawing connections between our increasingly chaotic soundscapes and various health issues, including anxiety and heart disease. From the physiological impacts of noise, we briefly explore why simply measuring sound with a decibel meter fails to capture the full scope of sound perception, the toll of human noise in the natural world, and ways we can rethink intentional soundscapes.

Berdick's insights encourage us to explore the profound impact of sound on our daily lives and consider how we might regain control over our auditory surroundings. While complete freedom from noise is neither attainable nor desirable, we can create healthier soundscapes for a more harmonious-sounding world.

Takeaways:

• In our modern world, we're constantly surrounded by noise that impacts our health and well-being, often without us even realizing it.
• Chris Berdick highlights how both pleasant and unpleasant sounds shape our experiences and environments, influencing everything from stress levels to productivity.
• The increasing prevalence of noise pollution from sources like data centers and drone deliveries poses new challenges to our soundscapes and quiet spaces.
• Understanding the physiological effects of noise is crucial, as even low-level sounds can disrupt sleep and contribute to chronic health issues over time.
• Berdick emphasizes the need for intentional soundscapes, suggesting that we can create environments that promote well-being rather than detract from it.
• The concept of 'umwelt' explains that different species, including humans, perceive sound uniquely, underlining the importance of considering diverse auditory experiences in urban planning.

Resources:

• Chris Berdik
• More on Chris
• Quiet Communities: Less Blomberg
• Julia Barnett Rice (early noise control advocate)
• Hush City App
• GlobalWarmingIsReal.com

Find your place in the world. Dig in, and take responsibility from there.

-Gary Snyder

When the world faces existential threats like climate change, how do we make ethical choices that matter? In this thought-provoking episode, host Tom Schueneman explores philosopher Thomas Rieder's groundbreaking book "Catastrophe Ethics: How to Choose Well in a World of Tough Choices."

Opening with a powerful scene from Netflix's "Landman," this episode confronts the fundamental ethical dilemma of our time: we're deeply embedded in harmful systems we can't easily escape. As Billy Bob Thornton's character bluntly states, fossil fuels run the world—until they don't. Stop them now, and civilization grinds to a halt.

Travis Rieder's book, "Catastrophe Ethics," presents a compelling framework for navigating our moral responsibilities in the face of existential threats, such as climate change. At the heart of the discussion lies the pressing question of how individuals can act ethically in the face of overwhelming challenges that often render personal efforts seemingly insignificant.

While individual actions may seem insignificant in addressing catastrophic threats, Rieder argues that collective action—the organization and alignment of many individual acts—creates meaningful change. Instead of succumbing to cynicism or denial, we need new moral tools for reasoning through unfamiliar ethical challenges.

In this episode, I explore Rieder's insights, which encourage us to shift from a duty-bound sense of obligation to a more authentic, value-centered approach to our actions. By embracing ongoing reflection and adaptation, we can cultivate a more meaningful connection to our choices, even when the stakes feel impossibly high. Ultimately, the episode invites us to find our place in this complex world and take responsibility—no matter how small—because every action counts in the collective fight against climate change and other global crises.

Rieder's investigation of climate change action within 'Catastrophe Ethics' reveals a profound and often frustrating reality: the ethical choices we face are frequently clouded by a sense of impotence against the larger backdrop of global crises. As we navigate through the complexities of individual agency versus collective action, we find ourselves grappling with the paradox that while our personal contributions may seem negligible, they are nonetheless crucial to the broader movement toward change.

Rieder's call for a new ethical framework—one that prioritizes authentic values over rigid duties—invites us to rethink our approach to environmental stewardship. We reflect on how to cultivate a mindset that embraces adaptability and reflection in our daily choices, rather than succumbing to a sense of futility.

By acknowledging the noise and distraction of modern life, Rieder encourages us to sift through the chaos and find actionable paths forward, all while sharing a few witty anecdotes about our attempts to navigate this moral labyrinth without losing our collective sanity.

The Puzzle of Individual Action

- Why individual actions feel meaningless against collective threats

- The disconnect between moral imperatives and personal impact

- How 8 billion people acting independently create informs "The Puzzle"

Beyond Traditional Ethics

- Why ancient moral frameworks struggle with modern polycrisis challenges

- The limitations of duty-based ethics in addressing climate change

- Moving from obligation to authentic, value-centered action

The Statistical Insignificance Paradox

- Individual carbon footprints are statistically meaningless

- Yet, moral stakes for preserving civilization remain enormous

- How collective action transforms meaningless individual acts

Practical Applications & Insights:

Daily Reflection: Rieder advocates for ongoing ethical reflection rather than predetermined moral paths

Combating Information Chaos: In our AI-saturated world, being well-informed (not ill-informed) becomes a moral imperative

Finding Your Place: Following Gary Snyder's wisdom—"Find your place on the planet, dig in and take responsibility from there."

Key Takeaways:

1. Traditional ethical frameworks weren't designed for global, interconnected crises
2. Value-centered ethics offer more flexibility than duty-bound obligations
3. Individual powerlessness doesn't negate moral responsibility
4. Collective action transforms statistically meaningless acts into meaningful change
5. Staying genuinely informed is itself an ethical imperative in the post-truth era
6. Engagement in climate action, no matter how small, is crucial in our collective fight against inaction.

Ready to explore how you can make ethical choices in our complex world? Visit TravisRieder.com to learn more about catastrophe ethics, order the book, and discover practical ways to align your values with action. Remember: no amount of engagement is too little when we act collectively. 

For more resources on climate action, visit GlobalWarmingIsReal.com and join the conversation about creating meaningful change in an age of crisis.

Explore a logic tree of Reider's ideas and concepts

It's 3:00 AM. All is quiet, the world is asleep.

But is it?

In this illuminating episode, we journey into the darkness to explore the vibrant and often overlooked world of nocturnal creatures, guided by the passionate insights of naturalist Charles Hood. His book, Nature at Night, serves as our compass, leading us through a landscape where life thrives under the stars.

Hood paints a vivid picture of the night as a time of transformation and activity, challenging the commonplace notion that all is quiet when darkness descends. Instead, he reveals a dynamic ecosystem full of sounds, movements, and interactions that awaken our sense of wonder.

From his unexpected path through academia to his extensive travels documenting wildlife in remote corners of the globe, Hood's extensive experiences as a naturalist and writer inspire us to appreciate even the most overlooked aspects of our environment, from the familiar raccoons in our backyards to the mesmerizing vertical migrations of oceanic creatures.

Hood maintains an optimistic outlook, reminding us that nature will persist, adapt, and thrive, regardless of the challenges it faces. His insights serve as a call to action for all of us to cultivate curiosity and appreciation for the natural world, urging listeners to step outside, explore, and connect with the life that surrounds us, especially in the magical hours of the night.

• Nature at Night: Discover the World That Comes Alive After Dark, From Timber Press
• A Salad Only the Devil Would Eat: The Joys of Ugly Nature, From Heyday Books
• Double Hyenas and Lazarus Birds: A Sideways Look at the Pacific Ocean and Everything in It, From Heyday Books
• More books by Charles Hood

• Nature is a dynamic cycle, thriving at night when the human world is asleep, highlighting the unseen beauty that flourishes in darkness.
• Charles Hood's exploration of nocturnal life encourages us to appreciate the often overlooked aspects of nature that exist right outside our doors.
• The concept of ugly nature, as expressed by Hood, challenges our perceptions and invites us to find beauty in the mundane and forgotten places.
• Understanding the vertical migration of ocean creatures reveals a complex, interconnected web of life that continues to inspire curiosity and fascination among nature lovers.
• Hood's journey through his unconventional educational path illustrates that persistence and a willingness to embrace the unexpected can lead to incredible experiences in life and nature.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of supporting local bookstores, as they play a crucial role in keeping our literary culture vibrant and accessible.

• timberpress.com
• heydaybooks.com
• Monterey Bay Aquarium