On The Rise w/ Marcius Extavour

This week we’re back navigating hard things with Laura Devlin, registered clinical psychologist and co-founder of Beaches Therapy. Marcius opens by sharing a difficult childhood memory - against his better judgement -  before he and Laura talk about kids and youth and the pressures they face in modern life, and the value of long-term thinking. They get into the psychological barriers to action, the impact of social media, and ways to foster collectivism and support future generations as antidotes to loneliness and anxiety. This episode features an honest, human, and cautiously optimistic take about the future.

Let us know what you think at [email protected]

Chapters:
00:00 Symptoms of PTSD
00:58 Introduction to the Conversation
02:02 Exploring Existential Dread
02:16 Understanding Youth Pressures
02:43 Exploring Common Themes in Mental Health
04:13 The Pressure on Youth Today
09:45 Navigating Social Media and Beauty Standards
12:19 The Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health
16:23 Long-Term Perspectives in a Fast-Paced World
20:11 Barriers to Action in the Face of Existential Dread
25:14 The Role of Villains in Climate Action
29:38 Finding Common Ground for Change
34:28 Challenges in Accessing Therapy
37:11 The Fear of Change and Its Implications
41:47 Introduction and Community Dynamics
41:47 A Night at the Hollywood Bowl
45:54 Reflections on Community and Connection

Resources:
 
•Laura's website: beachestherapy.ca

- Charity: pennyspromise.ca

- Laura's Instagram: @pennyspromisefund

- Beaches Therapy: @beachestherapygroup

- Laura's podcast: The Plot Twist Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0crHcr1Lf07pNOrtC25IdE?si=4c7bee2a0d5349af

Keywords: mental health, community, generativity, trauma, climate anxiety, therapy, collective action, existential dread, social media, hope, children

Show Credits:
Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer
Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic

Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/

Contact: [email protected]

On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

In this episode, registered psychotherapist and co-founder of Beaches Therapy Laura Devlin joins the show. She and Marcius explore how working on oneself can parallel tackling large societal issues like AI fears, war, politics, climate change, family strife, and the role of therapy, community, and emotional regulation in creating lasting change. Laura shares her journey from counselor to entrepreneur, what she misses about seeing clients day-to-day. Next they get into why working on oneself is so hard, but possibly a necessary step in tackling big hard scary problems.

Let us know what you think at [email protected]

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to addressing hard problems through psychology
02:10 Marcius's background in tackling complex issues
03:08 The value of emotional and community tools in problem-solving
05:16 The impact of burnout and interdisciplinary approaches
06:31 Introducing Laura Devlin and her work in therapy
08:23 Transition from one-on-one therapy to community and self-work
10:18 The therapeutic process and understanding therapy modalities
13:41 Therapy 101: How therapy works and what to expect
18:32 The therapy roadmap and active ingredients in therapy
21:24 Common misconceptions about therapy and emotional work
23:20 The importance of feelings, processing, and self-awareness
26:24 The role of trauma and the limbic system in healing
27:12 Time and patience in emotional healing
30:34 Themes in community mental health and current struggles
32:25 The impact of global crises on mental health
34:43 Climate anxiety and collective emotional responses
36:45 Different fears related to climate change and environmental loss
41:25 Existential dread and feelings of helplessness
43:41 The human need for connection and attachment
44:53 Loneliness, social connection, and modern life
54:24 Challenges of collective action and community organization
55:56 Hope for community-driven solutions and social change
56:56 Reflections on the conversation and personal reactions

Resources:
* Website: beachestherapy.ca
* Instagram: @beachestherapygroup
* Laura's podcast: The Plot Twist Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0crHcr1Lf07pNOrtC25IdE?si=4c7bee2a0d5349af
* Charity: pennyspromise.ca

Keywords: psychology, therapy, emotional health, climate change, community, hard problems, mental health, healing, therapy roadmap

Show Credits:
Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer
Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic

Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/

Contact: [email protected]

On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

Marcius and producer Vish are live from New York City, Climate Week 2026. Thousands of people from around the world have descended on the city that never sleeps to talk environmental justice, energy, finance, politics, technology, activism, and AI's role in climate solutions. Marcius and Vish meet up in a hotel lobby late on a Monday night to share insights from the day's events, and the key themes and vibes on the ground so far.

Let us know what you think at [email protected]

Chapters:
00:21 Introduction to New York Climate Week
00:43 What Is New York Climate Week and Who Cares?
02:28 Navigating the Chaos of Climate Week
05:36 Highlights of New York Climate Week Day 1
05:45 Highlights and Insights from Events
09:12 Understanding Environmental Justice
10:53 The Legacy of Environmental Justice
13:08 Connecting Public Health and Environmental Issues
16:29 Public Health Is Part of the Climate Conversation
19:44 Networking and Policy Discussions at Dinner
21:08 Insights from Legislators on Climate Policy
23:34 Planning for the Future of Climate Policy
25:24 Connecting Climate Solutions to Immediate Needs
26:45 The Intersection of AI and Climate Policy
31:15 Urgency in Addressing AI vs. Climate Change
34:50 Why Act on AI but Not on Climate?
35:16 The Role of National Security in Climate Action
41:07 The Future of Climate Action Amidst Immediate Crises

Keywords: Climate Week, environmental justice, AI and climate, policy planning, climate solutions, New York, climate justice, data centers, public health, climate policy

Show Credits:
Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer
Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic

Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/

Contact: [email protected]

On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

We're on the streets of Jackson Heights, Queens in New York this week! Marcius and Vish talk to artists, organizers, and participants at Make Justice Normal's Streetworks Festival about how they connect art and justice with climate change. If you want to learn more about how you can actually help with climate change then this episode will provide you with plenty of inspiration. There's an infinite number of ways to participate in this movement and we we're so lucky to chat with just a few of the many people who are showing what's possible!

Let us know what you think at [email protected]

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
03:02 How are Art & Justice Connected to Climate?
07:34 Art as a Medium for Climate Action
09:21 Flood Sensors and Local Climate Adaptation
11:52 The Role of Mushrooms and Indigenous Knowledge
14:10 Participatory Art as a Climate Engagement Tool
15:46 It Takes a Village
17:53 Why Does Climate Feel So Abstract?
19:00 Why Is Climate So White?
30:58 Climate Comms: Do We Need to Try Something Different?
43:50 Bridging Art & Climate Justice

Episode credits:
Stefano Dozza, videography & editing | https://www.fourthact.xyz/

Keywords: climate justice, art, community engagement, environmental activism, cultural diversity, climate solutions, storytelling, intersectionality, climate equity, grassroots activism

On The Rise w/ Marcius Extavour is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

Show Credits:
Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer
Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic

Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/

Contact: [email protected]

On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

In Part 3 of this Fusion mini-series, Dr. Annie Kritcher and Marcius explore the future of fusion energy, its potential impact on society, safety concerns, and the importance of public engagement. Annie shares her insights how responsible innovation plays a key role in scientific breakthroughs. 

Let us know what you think at [email protected]

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Fusion and Public Perception
01:06 Fusion's Transition from Science to Society
02:24 Fusion and the Future Energy Landscape
03:12 Balancing Innovation with Risks
05:02 Meet Annie Kritcher: Scientist and Innovator
06:05 Why We Care About Fusion Energy
07:15 Advantages of Fusion Over Other Energy Sources
08:53 Fusion Fuel and Environmental Impact
10:02 Fusion in the Context of Global Energy Mix
12:16 Could Fusion Become the Dominant Power Source?
13:37 Challenges and Risks in Fusion Development
15:49 Managing Dual-Use Technologies and Risks
20:10 Regulatory and Safety Frameworks for Fusion
22:37 Public Fears and Misconceptions about Fusion
24:26 Public Interest and Engagement Strategies
27:39 Fusion's Role in Climate Change Mitigation
37:40 The Future of Fusion and Inertia's Role
38:35 Long-Term Vision for Fusion Energy

 Keywords: fusion energy, nuclear science, energy transition, public safety, scientific breakthroughs, climate change, energy technology, fusion power, science communication, innovation

Show Credits:
Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer
Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic

Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/

Contact: [email protected]

On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

How fusion might become real, for real! Laser fusion pioneer Dr Annie Kritcher talks about taking fusion out of the lab and into a power plant, her journey from scientist to entrepreneur, and how she’s using her company Inertia to accelerate the optimization, engineering design, manufacturing, supply chain issues necessary to convert a successful science experiment into reliable and safe energy infrastructure. 

The TLDR on Annie’s work:Firing the world’s largest ever multi-beam laser at a tiny lead can to create an x-ray oven so hot it will implode the tiny crystal of nuclear-heavy ice floating in the center of the oven, inducing a plasma in which two atoms smash together, literally become one, and spray out an astronomically large pulse of energy.

Let us know what you think at [email protected]

Chapters:
02:08 The National Lab Breakthrough that Led to Annie's Startup Inertia
03:35 The Story of Achieving "Target Gain" In Lab Fusion Experiments
07:30 Does the Livermore Spark Mean Fusion is "Solved"?
07:51 The Engineering Needed to Transform an Experiment into a Reliable Power Plant
09:12 Inertia: Annie's Startup Focused on Turning Physics into Useful Fusion Power
09:38 From Lab to Market: Origin Story of Inertia Co.
12:01 A Scientist Becomes an Unlikely Entrepreneur
12:22 Inertia's Partnerships with the National Lab
15:43 Better Lasers, Targets, Design for Manufacture, and Efficiency
17:00 Laser Innovation to Achieve Commercial Fusion Energy
22:18 1000 Shipping Containers Full of Laser
22:44 Target Innovation & Fast Fueling
23:39 Making Perfectly Frozen Deuterium-Tritium Ice
26:35 Inertia's Mission and Next Steps

Keywords: fusion energy, nuclear fusion, clean energy, physics, science, Inertia, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, plasma, lasers, energy technology, engineering, scale-up, supply chain, entrepreneurship, hard science

Show Credits:
Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer
Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic

Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/

Contact: [email protected]

On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

Laser fusion pioneer Dr Annie Kritcher teams up with Dr Marcius Extavour to break down fusion energy in simple terms that everyone can understand. Learn how it’s being attempted, fusion’s potential as a clean energy source, and the cutting-edge research making it possible. This episode starts at the basics -  “what is an atom?” -  and walks through the basic physics of what fusion energy is, and why you might care.

TLDR: Firing the world’s largest ever multi-beam laser at a tiny lead can to create an x-ray oven so hot it will implode the tiny crystal of nuclear-heavy ice floating in the center of the oven, inducing a plasma in which two atoms smash together, literally become one, and spray out an astronomically large pulse of energy.

Let us know what you think at [email protected]

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Fusion and Its Significance
03:22 Fusion in Stars and Its Potential on Earth
07:23 How Fusion Works: Smooshing Atoms
11:31 The Challenge of Overcoming Electrostatic Repulsion
15:32 Deuterium and Tritium: The Fusion Fuel
17:03 From Atoms to Power: How Fusion Generates Energy
18:38 Creating and Confine Hot Plasmas
20:32 What Is Plasma and Its Role in Fusion
23:02 Magnetic and Inertial Confinement Methods
25:07 The Fuel Capsule and Laser-Driven Fusion
27:06 The Composition and Design of Fusion Fuel Capsules
29:43 The Laser-Driven Compression Process
33:23 The Brief and Intense Fusion Reaction
34:46 Energy Output and Its Magnitude
36:27 Power and Power Density of Fusion Experiments
37:15 Why Fusion Reactions Don't Melt the Lab
38:25 Containment and Safety in Fusion Experiments
39:14 The Role of Lasers in Fusion Technology
41:16 Why Lasers Are Ideal for Fusion Experiments
44:30 Summary and Next Steps in Fusion Research

Keywords: fusion energy, nuclear fusion, clean energy, physics, science, Inertia, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, plasma, lasers, energy technology, laser ignition fusion, deuterium, tritium, neutron, proton, atom

Show Credits:
Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer
Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic

Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/

Contact: [email protected]

On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

Dr. Ticora Jones, Chief Scientist at Natural Resources Defense Council joins the show to talk about trust, forever chemicals, and AI data centers. Your host Marcius Extavour aka Dr.X opens with his thoughts on how the  LA Lakers of the NBA demonstrate the weird confluence of money, information, and trust that’s in the air these days. Next Ticora shares some of her thoughts  about the intersection of science, misinformation, and public trust. 

Let us know what you think at [email protected]

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the attack on scientific research
03:58 Misinformation, media, and the impact on science
07:42 Science, myths, and media narratives
11:26 Regulation and public awareness of chemicals
14:00 Cumulative environmental exposure
15:16 State and local regulation of data centers
16:44 The impact of data centers on environment
18:22 Science in the AI era and misconceptions
20:19 Environmental impacts of data centers
24:55 Water, power, and environmental justice
26:23 Community responses to data center development
27:58 Public perception of environmental toxins
29:24 Fairness and access to AI technology
32:39 Political attacks on scientific agencies
34:34 Balancing science and politics in decision-making
36:28 The importance of independent scientific advice
38:37 Changing rules and the future of science
40:37 Hope and reimagining the scientific ecosystem
44:10 Parenting, science, and hope for the future
45:14 Closing thoughts, previews and music!

Keywords: science, misinformation, public trust, environmental health, PFAS, forever chemicals, data centers, AI, policy, science communication, water

On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

Show Credits:
Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer
Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic

Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/

Contact: [email protected]

On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

Marcius opens with his thoughts on vaccines, bad lettuce, and AOC, revealing just how much “science” lies just beneath the surface of major news items. Then this week’s guest Dr. Ticora Jones joins to share her journey from a childhood fascination with science to her role as a public science executive: Chief Scientist at Natural Resources Defense Council in Washington, DC. She and Marcius explore how science influences public policy, where it gets lost in translation, and why this matters at all to you and your daily life. 

Let us know what you think at [email protected]

Chapters
00:50 Introduction and News Roundup
02:38 What Makes a News Story A Science Story?
04:11 Defining the Science - Policy Interface
05:47 Public Scientists Bridge The Worlds of Politics and Research
06:46 Introduction to Dr. Ticora Jones
09:52 Journey from Scientist to Executive
13:08 Teaching Experience and Its Impact
16:12 Graduate School and Global Citizenship
19:11 Transition to Public Policy and Advocacy
22:00 The Role of Science in Advocacy
22:15 After the 24-hr New Cycle, Before Social Media Popped Off
25:18 Scientific Information in Politics
28:08 Current Work at NRDC
29:30 Intro to Natural Resources Defense Council: What is NRDC?
30:54 Science for Public Good
34:10 Why Some Scientists Prefer to Stay Quiet
39:18 The Challenge of Communicating Science
40:19 Are Scientists Too In Love With Nuance?
43:16 Is Nuance Better Understood In-Person, Not Online?
46:17 There are No Magic Technological Fixes, Right...?
48:48 How Science Travels from Lab to Newsroom: Case Study
51:57 The Role of Media in Science Communication
54:06 What is a "clean cookstove" and how are they connected to academic research?
54:42 The Impact of Misinformation
57:52 The Future of Science Communication
59:26 Is Presumption of Regularity Still a Safe Assumption?
01:01:23 Digital Literacy for the Kids
01:02:01 Closing Thoughts, Thanks Yous, Music

Keywords: science communication, public policy, science advocacy, NRDC, digital literacy, science in media, public trust in science, science and policy interface, science careers outside of academia

On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026. 

Show Credits:
Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer
Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic

Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/

Contact: [email protected]

On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

This week's episode kicks off with an "oil markets 101" segment from Marcius. Next, we dig into the global oil markets, energy policy, and the future of energy transition with this weeks' guest energy executive Allyson Anderson Book, Chief Sustainability Officer of Baker Hughes. Allyson and Marcius discuss how geopolitical conflicts influence oil prices, the role of government-owned oil companies, and the potential pathways toward a sustainable energy future.

Let us know what you think at [email protected]

Chapters:

00:56 Introduction to Gas Prices and Oil Markets
02:50 Understanding Oil as a Global Commodity: The Bathtub Analogy
02:50 The Impact of Global Events on Oil Prices
05:03 China Stops Buying While USA Sells More: Strategic Petroleum Reserves
07:43 War and Oil Market Madness Make Alternatives Look Better
09:37 Energy Independence and Security: The New Reason to Care
11:29 Introduction to Guest: Allyson Anderson Book
12:43 How Can We Keep Burning Oil While the World Burns?
15:22 What Do We Tell the Children?
15:34 Teaching the Next Generation about Energy
18:10 Paying for Prosperity Today With Doom Tomorrow?
20:35 Future Scenarios for Energy Transition
20:35 What People Need to Know about the Energy System, But Don't
25:45 The Role of National (Government Owned) Oil Companies
27:32 Petro-States and Climate Commitments
28:52 Economic Dependencies on Fossil Fuels
29:46 Do All Energy & Climate Stakeholders Have the Same Goals?
30:49 Negotiation Tactics in Climate Discussions
31:25 The U.S. Oil and Gas Landscape
31:51 Coal vs Gas, and Competition Among Energy Fuel Types
32:37 Oil and Gas in Movies and TV
35:29 100-Year View: How Does This All End?
36:09 Futurist Predictions
37:59 2025 and 2026 Are Breaking Temperature Records
39:23 Drawing Climate Conclusions from Today's Local Weather - BEWARE!
40:57 Allyson's Views on Heat and Adaptation
41:35 Final Remarks: Agreeing to Disagree

Episode credits: Stefano Dozza, videography | https://www.fourthact.xyz/

Keywords: oil markets, energy transition, fossil fuels, renewable energy, energy policy, climate change, oil prices, energy independence, geopolitics, sustainability

On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

Show Credits:
Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer
Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic

Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/

Contact: [email protected]

On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.