The Steady Stater

Beverly Hills isn’t the first place most people would think of harboring a steady-state government. Yet, led for three terms by past Mayor John Mirisch (who still serves on the city council), the enclave west of Hollywood has pushed back against the pro-growth strictures emanating out of the statehouse in Sacramento. This experience has turned Mr. Mirisch into a die-hard steady stater, a badge he wears proudly.

 John's website: https://cityofbh.org

In the second part of our conversation with Chris Matthews, the former Hardball host ponders the mixed legacies of Al Gore, George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and FDR. He also shares his opinions on where to look for political support for the steady state economy, and which former president came closest to steady statesmanship.

In the first part of a two-part special, Chris Matthews of MSNBC fame joins Brian to discuss the steady state economy. The CASSE signatory comments on his favorite episodes of Hardball, his recent book This Country: My Life in Politics and History, his insights as a speechwriter for Jimmy Carter, and the resource impacts of population growth. Tune in next Monday for part 2!

For Woody Tasch, founder of Slow Money Institute, it’s all about balance. Every moonshot needs an Earthshot; diversity and efficiency; simplicity and complexity. That’s where the “deceptively simple” concept of Beetcoin comes in. Providing crowdfunded, 0% loans to organic and local food projects, Beetcoin is a challenge not just to the food system but the growth economy at large. Hear Woody and Brian dig into the details on this week’s Steady Stater.

Beetcoin: https://beetcoin.org/

The future, as they say, is unwritten. But that didn’t stop authors Christina Conklin and Marina Psaros from speculating, in their acclaimed book The Atlas of Disappearing Places: Our Coasts and Oceans in the Climate Crisis. We spoke with Christina about some of the 20 locations covered, combining artistry with science, and seaweed. Can our cultures and economies leap forward in acts of transilience?

Christina's website: www.christinaconklin.com 

What's Next For Earth art project: www.whatsnextforearth.com

In our first podcast episode of the year, Brian Czech takes a moment to remember some of the steady staters who left us in 2021: David Schindler, Valerius Geist, Mason Gaffney, Dick Lamm, Thomas Lovejoy, E.O. Wilson, and Lisa Vandemark. Brian lists their achievements, shares personal encounters, and reflects on life, death, and limits.

Our conversation with Dick Lamm: The Almost Steady-State President (October 2020)

Heading into the holidays we take a rare optimistic detour in the world of conservation. Our guest is Dr. Chris Haney, President of Terra Med Applied Sciences, a public interest ecological research company. He and Brian discuss the fate of the ivory-billed woodpecker – the bird that keeps scientists guessing no matter how often it’s declared extinct. Hear the only known recording of the woodpecker, and consider: is it really gone? Or is Woody getting the last laugh?

Chris's book, Woody's Last Laugh: https://www.johnhuntpublishing.com/changemakers-books/our-books/woodys-last-laugh-making-thinking-errors

Ann Vileisis is an author and environmental historian, intrigued by stories of food, ecology, and the connections between the two. This week, Brian traverses his fond memories of Ann’s vivid wetlands book, Discovering the Unknown Landscape, as they discuss these often-misunderstood ecosystems. They also explore Ann’s other books on the loss of traditional food knowledge, and the iridescent wonders of California’s abalone shellfish. Get stuck in!

Ann's website: https://www.annvileisis.com/

Michael Bayliss of the Post-Growth Australia Podcast likes all kinds of communication, whether it’s hosting thoughtful and conversational interviews, his communications role at Sustainable Population Australia, or spreading ecological messages with his band, Shock Octopus. This week, Brian puts Michael in the hotseat to discuss these projects, Blockade Australia and direct action, Green Party-backed housing sprawl and a whole lot more.

Michael's website: https://michaelbayliss.org/
Post-Growth Australia Podcast: https://pgap.fireside.fm/

Stephen Mulkey from the University of Florida is known to some as “Dr. Doom.” Yet the “doom” is in the data; Mulkey is just exceptional at compiling and communicating it. A better title might be “Dr. Do.” Consider for example his pivotal role in the divestment movement. His vision for education in a sustainable world goes much further, too. Hear Stephen and Brian—two scientists with track records of censorship—explore the vision in this week’s episode.

Stephen's website The Environmental Century: https://environmentalcentury.net/