World Is Burning

This week we’re diving into some interesting (and relevant) ideas: the Overton window of political possibility and the use of artificial intelligence in the fight against climate change. We explore how an idea from a libertarian think tank caught the imagination of both conservative and progressive political leaders, how scientists are using artificial intelligence to map El Yunque national forest, and why we should joke more about the things we wish would come true.

As we approach the 13th anniversary of the BP oil spill, Olivia tells the story of the Deepwater Horizon disaster and the 87 days that helped it earn its title as the largest marine oil spill in human history. Then Elise tells the amazing origin story of Alice Berkner, the veterinarian founder of International Bird Rescue, and what she did when she found herself in a room with thousands of oil-slicked birds. Plus, Dawn dish soap’s dirty little secret. Other topics include mixed feelings on Mark Wahlberg, a fake documentary about jury duty, and a literal shitshow.

We’re diving in deep! In this episode Elise traces the unconventional path taken by Jacques Cousteau to become the beloved adventurer, inventor, and prolific documentarian we all know. Then Olivia shares the story of the trailblazing oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, who has navigated the deep sea and male-dominated spaces with vigor and curiosity for decades. Other topics include hope spots, exploitation of the ocean, and a musical about corn.

This week we’re back with a minisode all about the sharing economy, or as they used to call it: sharing! Elise explains how community building can escalate quickly (in the best way) –– one day you’re bringing your wheelbarrow to the communal mulch pile, and next thing you know you’re on a free transatlantic trip with your neighbor.

Today we’re dedicating an episode to Octavia E. Butler, the visionary writer and mother of Afrofuturism who transformed the way we think about climate stories. Olivia tells us about Octavia’s childhood, her days as a young daydreaming outsider, her early ambition to write, and the struggles of coming into her own as the first Black female science fiction writer. Then, Elise takes us through her favorite Butler stories (with minimal but very enthusiastic spoilers) and how they’ve changed how she thinks about social issues in the real world. A worthwhile episode for lovers of Octavia’s work and newbies alike!

We’re bringing the punk spirit to our climate activism in 2023! Elise brings us through the rebellious history of fashion icon Vivienne Westwood and the politics of punk. Then Olivia covers David Byrne’s journey from new wave icon to bike enthusiast to climate optimist. Other topics include psychogeography, the seduction of pessimism, and (not) being the only person with a plan.

It’s the end of the year and we’re in a reflective mood! In this episode we take a look back at the climate wins of the year, updates on stories we’ve covered, and share what we’re looking forward to in 2023.

This week we’re taking a closer look at the idea that “capitalism breeds innovation.” Does it? Elise digs into our troubling corporate track record of stifling competition and creating mega-monopolies, including the co-opting of a beloved board game. She tells us how the Sherman Antitrust Act came to be and why it’s more necessary than ever today. Other topics include retro-futurism, ghost comedies, and closing the wealth gap.

In this spooooky Halloween episode, we’re talking aliens and Sasquatch. Olivia takes us through a study of the rise and fall of faraway alien civilizations, and what they can teach us about our understanding of climate scenarios here on Earth. Then, Elise explores the story of Bigfoot and other favorite cryptids around the world. Will certain parts of the world start to have more Bigfoot sightings as the climate continues to change? Other topics include breaking your cape in a haunted house, Mario-inspired costume ideas, and seeking a friend for the end of the world.

This week we’re talking stars and movie stars. Elise gives a TLDR of major planetary events and past asteroid collisions; do we need to worry about a Don’t Look Up-style asteroid attack, or should we focus our energy on the ground? Then Olivia tells the incredible story of Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native activist best known for refusing an Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando for The Godfather at the 1973 Academy Awards. We talk about her surprising career shift and the long-overdue apology that almost came too late. Other topics include Mother Teresa, spooky ghost tours, and the difference between an asteroid, a comet, and a meteor.

This episode is all about our favorite topics, colonialism and the climate crisis. Olivia tells the story of the Irish Potato Famine, which likely goes a bit deeper than you remember. We talk about the parallels between this piece of Irish history and the crises happening today that impact the most vulnerable first. What happens when power structures are completely out of balance? Then, Elise digs further into the suspicious claims that Charles could be our new “Climate King.” Other topics include reformist vs. abolitionist approaches, meaningfully redistributing power, and diving into fall.
P.S. Like Elise says at the top of the episode, we had some audio issues on this episode that make a little less crisp than usual. We hope you can bear with us!

This week Olivia tells the story of the unexpected place where the environmental justice movement cut its teeth: Warren County, North Carolina. What started as a small town fighting against a dangerous landfill became national news and seven weeks of continued protests, led together by civil rights leaders and local activists. Then Elise tells us about the cowgirl-actress-turned-canyon-advocate Katie Lee, who dedicated her free-spirited life (and her music) to the preservation of Glen Canyon. Other topics include Simpsons villains, mediums with dark family histories, and swearing in board meetings.

How should you respond when you see a friend going down a climate doom spiral? What’s the best way to approach headlines that spark panic and disengagement over action? In this minisode, we dismantle some of the common doom narratives and consider better ways to approach big issues. Because if we’re committed to building stronger communities, we have to acknowledge our hardest feelings too.

This week we’re finally tackling an age-old question head-on: does individual action matter? How can we stay motivated to make small changes in our own lives when Kylie Jenner is using her private jet like a local taxi? Elise looks into the individuals behind a famous statistic and shares a framework for valuing individual action without missing the bigger picture.

This week we’re taking a closer look at what happens when the government procrastinates on its homework. Olivia tells the story of the “white city” of Armero, Colombia, where a 1985 volcanic eruption resulted in the deadliest mudslides in human history. She recounts the haunting story of 13-year-old Omayra Sanchez, and how the tragedy highlights the need for robust emergency management. Then Elise looks into the ancient origins of water towers, some more recent horror stories, and why we should care about how the government regulates water safety. Other topics include Sally Rooney, having an Oscar Wilde quote for everything, and buying sweaters in a heatwave.

Do you imagine a tiny person with a pick axe when you hear about cryptocurrency mining? Are you frustrated that the only ways to learn more come either from crypto bros or slyly sponsored content? Then this is the episode for you :) Elise breaks down what cryptocurrency is, the mysterious creator behind Bitcoin, and why crypto mining is known to be so energy-intensive. Does crypto spell danger for the climate, or can it be an innovative source of good? Our answer might surprise you. Other topics include volcanic love stories, avoiding scams, and nights at the roller disco.

This week we’re looking at inventions gone horribly wrong. Olivia tells the story of the “one-man climate disaster,” aka the wildly successful 20th-century inventor Thomas Midgley Jr., whose creations caused widespread lead-induced madness and the near destruction of the ozone layer. Thanks to a bit of showmanship and barely any regulations, his inventions ended up in everyday vehicles and homes for decades after his untimely death. Then, Elise digs into “forever chemicals” in period underwear, the little-known class-action lawsuit against Thinx underwear, and how to advocate for safer products. Other topics include ethical inventing, the lead-crime hypothesis, and what we’re listening to.

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We’re back from our break! In this episode we’re exploring the multiverse and all of the things that almost didn’t happen in our universe. Elise tells the story of the 90s electric car renaissance that never was, and the untimely death of the electric vehicle that won over Tom Hanks. Then Olivia tells a story of something we’re thankful DID happen in our universe: the discovery of the ozone “hole” and the people who harnessed the power of metaphor to fix a problem that could have wiped out all life on Earth (like, actually). Other topics include the multiverse in pop culture, life updates, and buying a retro camper trailer.

How do you get a billion people to participate in a single event every year? In this episode, Olivia looks back on the roots of Earth Day and what we can learn (and avoid) from the day’s history. Then Elise tells us about the origins of greenwashing at a beachside resort, some of the most outrageous examples, and common greenwashing schemes to look out for this month. Other topics include celebrities who participate in corporate greenwashing traps, the season for greentrolling, and clothing recycling that only exists in Animal Crossing.

Have you ever wondered how the trees on your block ended up there? In this episode, Elise explains why botanical sexism is an interesting idea, but might not explain your seasonal allergies like you thought. Then Olivia tells the story of community ecology advocate Hattie Carthan, who helped bring tree-lined streets back to her redlined Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant. Other topics include how to barter with your local community board, new tunes, and trees that smell like poop.

What happens when an image changes our worldview? In this episode, Olivia tells the story of Earthrise, the era-defining photo that almost wasn’t taken. Cue astronauts bickering over color film and stars aligning. Then, Elise tells the story of a well-meaning architect whose design was co-opted by Big Plastic. A stealthy meeting at the Ritz Carlton led to a recycling symbol that has been confusing consumers for decades. Other topics include harnessing your pissed-off energy, new music, and The Container Store’s alter ego.

Sometimes you just need a good escapist story! This week we’re diving into two unlikely climate tales that say more about our current situation than you might suspect. First, Olivia explains why 2020 has nothing on 536 as the worst year in human history. Yearlong fogs, snow in August, the first plague pandemic... and not without a healthy dose of medieval drama and gluttony. Then, Elise takes on tumbleweeds, an iconic staple of the American Southwest that is actually from halfway across the world. Add “house buried by tumbleweeds” to your list of disasters to avoid. Plus, we talk rebranding Elise’s vintage shop, a new podcast for the cocktail enthusiast, and our new favorite word.

Documentaries can expose us to new worlds and change the way we think about our current reality. In this episode, we’re exploring the genre of environmental documentaries. Elise takes a look at Grizzly Man, Tiger King, and our patriarchal obsession with large wild animals. Then Olivia looks back on THE climate change documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, and how it paved the way for what we’ve seen since. Other topics include the hockey stick graph, Euphoria, and nature not loving you back.

First the girlboss, then the Fleabag era... what is the next era of feminism, and how can we make sure it’s intersectional? In this episode we take a look at some inspiration. Olivia recounts the rich life story of Jane Fonda and her many iterations: coy movie star, anti-war activist, workout icon, and climate justice advocate. Then Elise tells the story of two Aboriginal Australian activists, Jacqui Katona and Yvonne Margarula, who defended their homeland from extractive mining and helped to organize the largest blockade in Australian history. Other topics include passivity as a tenet of white feminism, why celebrity activism often falls flat (and why Jane’s hasn’t), and how to participate in the world.

We’re back for our 50th episode, and we're coming into the new year with a bang – Elise tells us how the Hindenburg airship explosion, despite some amazing survival stories, might have halted the potential for low-carbon air cargo (and cool blimps). Then Olivia revisits a phenomenon of early 2021: Ever Given, the ship that got stuck in the Suez Canal, and what it says about our supply chain and meme culture. Other topics include how the fossil fuel industry upholds itself, adding a comma for dramatic effect, and what we’ve been reading.

There are a lot of myths to bust about daylight saving time — does it really save energy? Was it invented for farmers? Does it "end" in November or did it just begin? We do a dramatic reading of Benjamin Franklin's 18th-century sh*tpost that somehow led to him being credited for inventing daylight savings. Then, we take a look at the 2005 energy policy that changed the game (or, really, kept the fossil fuel subsidy game strong). Other topics include mall culture, another win for the golfers, and a haunting prediction about high energy consumption.

There's a lot going on right now!! From COP26 to Build Back Better to local elections, it's all just a lot. This week we're looking at countries with their sh*t together and ways to process all this information. First, Elise tells us how Bhutan became one of the first carbon-negative countries in the world – and how a teenage king transformed their entire economy to focus on happiness over profit. Then Olivia goes through some tips to deal with the barrage of climate information coming at us every day, and how to find your place in the movement without taking on too much. Other topics include being paranoid that someone is reading our diary, Joe Manchin jack-o-lanterns, and how many people have actually read the full IPCC report.

In this spooky Halloween episode, we're digging into the eerie and the terrifying. Olivia takes us through the streets of New York to determine if climate change will lead to a catastrophic ratpocalypse — and how we can avoid one. Then, Elise retells the story of the Wendigo, a mythological creature of Native folklore whose message has gotten muddled by colonizers. Plus, we talk about how Elise's new project is heating up, our rat horror stories, and some last-minute DIY Halloween costume ideas.

In the 1960s and 70s, rising leader of the American Indian Movement Leonard Peltier was known for providing mutual aid from his auto shop and advocating for Native civil rights. After a controversial trial concerning the deaths of two FBI agents, Peltier was sent to jail to serve two life sentences. Despite cries for clemency from the likes of Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela, Peltier has spent over half his life in jail. This week, Elise tells his story. Then, Olivia talks about her time down at the People vs. Fossil Fuels action in Washington DC. She witnessed the first occupation of the Bureau of Indian Affairs since the Trail of Broken Treaties in 1972 (which Peltier participated in). The demands of both occupations are eerily similar. Plus, we talk about how to get involved in current urgent actions, which climate activist is a fan of Rick-rolling, and Elise's vote for best environmental film.

This week, Olivia gets us up to speed on what's happening at Fairy Creek Watershed, where an old-growth forest protection effort has become the largest act of civil disobedience in Canadian history. Then, Elise tells us about Saket Soni and Resilience Force, who advocate for migrant and workers' rights on the frontlines of climate change. Other subjects include the disaster economy, media coverage of activism, and Elise and Olivia seeing each other in person for the first time since we started the podcast!

In this minisode, we explore the term "petro-masculinity" and how it helps us understand the deep connection between the fossil fuel economy and white patriarchal rule. We talk about the role of fossil fuels in identity creation, gender as a system, and why confidence is a key factor in determining whether conservative white men will become climate denialists.

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This week we're talking about cars and Cars! Elise tells the story of the VW emissions scandal, which we've dubbed "cheaty cheaty bang bang," about an engineering hack that allowed VW cars to fraudulently pass US industry standards during testing. Then Olivia answers the question we've all been asking: is the Disney/Pixar Cars franchise propaganda for the automobile industry? Short answer is... no, but there's a lot more to it than meets the eye. Other subjects include corporate obsession with growth, petromasculinity, and a documentary about the Pepe the frog meme.

In this minisode, we're focused on the star of the dystopian show – fossil fuels. How many of them are there? Are petroleum and gas the same thing? Why do I keep hearing so much about natural gas? Elise breaks down the categories of fossil fuels and debunks some common industry-speak.

Did the fossil fuel industry really invent the carbon footprint? Did you know that the first "treehugger" came waaaay before the 1960s hippie, and took a much greater risk? This week we're talking about the language of climate change, specifically the carbon footprint and the term "treehugger." Olivia digs into the real story behind the corporate world's favorite unit of measurement, and whether it has any value in conversations today. Then Elise tells the story of the Bishnoi people and how the "treehugger" legacy echoes the stories of climate justice activists today.

What is COP26, and why is it so important? In this episode, we're breaking down the history of the UNFCCC, previous climate conferences, and what to expect from this year's conference in Glasgow later this fall. And more specifically, what we need to demand from our leaders, because there's no time to mess around. Other topics include a wee back-to-school climate emergency, vampires, and what we've been watching.

Happy first birthday to us! In our anniversary episode, we're looking forward: what does a climate just future look like? Olivia tells us how a more pedestrian-focused city can make people happier, healthier, and more connected. Then Elise explains the Land Back movement which is re-establishing indigenous rights over colonized land. Other topics include new pets, all the Molly Shannon shows you should be watching, and skipping that trip to Hawaii.

This episode (recorded during IPCC report week, when our brains were mush) is literally about bottles — family heirloom glass milk bottles and the modern-staple-turned-environmental-cliché of the plastic bottle. We cover a little bit of everything: a visionary cartoonist who couldn't imagine a future without the milkman. The rapid decline of milk delivery thanks to supermarkets, suburbs, and "modern" packaging. Dramatic commercials for the same product in returnable glass and convenient plastic. Side trails include Phil of the Future, environmental justice narratives in television, and how maybe fossil fuels are the milkmen of right now?

After we learned about the climate and cultural impacts of non-native lawn grass in North America, we were left wondering: what's up with golf? In this minisode, Elise tells us why golf might be one of the rare resource-intensive problems that could actually be on its way to solving itself. Topics include creative land use, solar farms, and affordable housing.

This week we're exploring ways to cope with climate despair. Maybe you're experiencing it for the first time in the wake of the new IPCC report, or as wildfire smoke makes its way to your doorstep. Maybe you've been around the block a few times. In this short episode we define what exactly climate despair is, where we struggle with it, and how to frame it as a valid emotion that guides us to transformative climate action. We take some notes from our favorite artists, writers, and scientists. If you don't know what to do or where to look, come join our club! It's only 30 minutes.

What would a decolonized world look like? How can we spend more time building the world we want to live in, while still fighting back against oppressive systems? This week we're focusing on the work of two Indigenous environmental leaders, Winona LaDuke and Sherri Mitchell. We discuss teenage Winona's decision to use her high school debate skills at the U.N. Conference in Geneva, how to learn from Indigenous wisdom without extraction, and ways to dismantle white supremacist and colonial capitalist practices in our lives, even those that have benefitted us. Other topics include the 80/10/10 rule, the dandelion insurrection, and the song of the summer as decided by Elise's cat.

At the peak of 19th-century hat culture, an ounce of feathers was worth more than an ounce of gold. This extravagant trend, however, was putting once-flourishing bird populations in peril. Enter the bird lady: Harriet Hemenway, a controversial Boston socialite who co-founded the Massachusetts Audubon Society and used posh tea parties to protest the overhunting of birds. Elise recalls Harriet's story and the bird species that didn't make it. Then Olivia tells the story of Lady Bird Johnson, former U.S. First Lady during the Johnson administration, who pushed a forward-thinking environmental agenda through seemingly superficial beautification projects. And she also might have sent the CIA after a beloved outspoken singer... Other topics include organizing among friends, easy access to climate change basics, and anti-car sneakers?

On this week's no-frills episode, we're telling you how to prepare for extreme heat, what to do in the middle of a heatwave, and how to recognize heat-related illness to keep you and your loved ones safe.

01:30 - How to prepare your home for extreme heat

05:52 - How to plan according to the weather

10:55 - How to read important heat indicators

15:08 - What to do if you're dealing with extreme heat now

25:17 - How to recognize heat-related illness

Stay damp, stay hydrated, and stay cool!

Once upon a time, Coca-Cola ran one of the world's most successful reusable bottle systems. Their decentralized network boasted an over 95% return rate, with some glass bottles being used upwards of fifty times before being recycled. Today, they're the biggest plastic polluter on the planet. What the hell? This week Olivia's telling us the story of Coca-Cola, the rise of the single-use mindset, and how promises to "keep America beautiful" managed to put the blame on individual consumers and governments instead of on the producers of that trash. Plus, Elise's cool new project that tackles packaging waste, how Prohibition ruined everything, and what new media is giving us hope.

On this week’s episode Elise tells the story of the regretful inventor of Keurig and the single-use pod coffee phenomenon. Other topics include the overwhelming news of the last few weeks, drinking 30-40 cups of coffee a day, and plans for future mini-series.

File this episode under things you never thought about but that will now haunt you... sorry! This week we're talking about the darker side of two things you've probably encountered this week: vanilla flavoring and customer receipts. Elise takes us through the unlikely ways that vanilla flavoring is being made, including petroleum-based artificial flavors that are already likely in your cupboard. Then Olivia tells the story of the CVS receipt meme and how consumer demand and environmental activism have gotten major retailers to skip the slip. Plus, how not to act at your first post-lockdown comedy show.

What's up with America's obsession with cow's milk? Olivia tells the story of the famous Got Milk campaign that brought deprivation marketing and milk mustaches to a generation of young dairy consumers. Then Elise takes us through the meteoric rise of Oatly oat milk during the pandemic, their controversial investors, and one healthy way we should treat our food like technology.

This week, we're taking a closer look at the natural and synthetic materials you're probably wearing right now. How did cotton become the "fabric of our lives"? Elise explains the reasoning behind advertising a material rather than a brand, and tells us which policies we should be paying attention to in regard to cotton manufacturing. Then Olivia takes on the massive (but nearly invisible) problem of the synthetic material industry: microfibers. 1.4 million trillion of them. Other topics discussed: exciting life changes, the limits of individual action and systems-change advocacy, and TikTok Olivia Rodrigo theories.

This weekend Olivia is heading out to the Treaty People Gathering along the Line 3 pipeline route in Northern Minnesota, so we're explaining the roots of the Indigenous-led non-violent direct action: who are the treaty people? Why stop Enbridge's Line 3 pipeline? Can Biden really do anything? What can you do from home?

What if humans colonized the oceans? What if Elon Musk's dream of a Mars colony came true? This week we're looking at the human desire to solve all our problems elsewhere, rather than where we already are. Olivia takes us through the blueprints for entire underwater cities, and Elise leaves the planet entirely: why are billionaires so keen on Mars? We talk about how colonization rehashes patterns of violence that already exist on land, and how we can spark a cultural shift that dismantles extractive practices and encourages regenerative giving.

Why are Americans so horny for grass? What happens when you get on a scammer's bad side? This week we're taking a closer look at how the lawn care industry of today ties back to colonization, war, and (you guessed it) capitalism. Then Olivia tells us about a one-step climate solution to help YOU reduce YOUR carbon footprint in one easy payment of $125... or not.

A story with so many cartoon villains we don't know where to start! Steven Donziger is an environmental lawyer best known as the lead attorney on a landmark case for the people of the Ecuadorian Amazon versus Texaco (now Chevron) after they dumped an admitted 16 billion gallons of oil waste on Indigenous land. Chevron have yet to pay the 18 billion dollar (later decreased to 9.5 billion) settlement, and have also brought Donziger through the seven circles of corporate law hell in the last decade. This week we tell you the wild, winding story AND take a trip to the #FreeDonziger rally before the first day of Donziger's trial.

Down the Rabbit Hole is our new miniseries dedicated to the deep dives, side trails, and themes that don't quite fit into our normal episodes. This week we're following up on our music episode to examine the environmental impact of streaming. If you're streaming this episode, it's for you! We cover the insane energy consumption of one Justin Bieber hit, when you should download an album versus buying a physical version, and how we can build a fossil fuel-free future that supports small artists.

Down The Rabbit Hole is our new miniseries dedicated to the deep dives, side trails, and themes that don't quite fit into our normal episodes. This week we're following up the excitement and exhaustion of Earth Day with an episode on how to get involved in climate action. We share our successes and failures, creative ways you can get involved, our criteria for assessing an existing climate action group, and how to support action even when you're short on time and money.

It's book club, with no required reading! We're talking about Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, known as the book that "launched the modern environmental movement" and revolutionized public perception of chemical spraying. We talk about what's changed since it came out almost 60 years ago, the constant ties between money and unethical decision-making, and what this new generation of dads should be obsessed with instead of World War II.

This week we're thinking about the ways we frame history and how understanding the past can help us pave an equitable & inclusive path forward. Olivia breaks down the Anthropocene, the suggested name for the new human-centered epoch. If we accept that we're in a new time period, when did it start, and why does it matter? Then Elise dives into the story of 19th-century scientist Eunice Newton Foote, whose long-ignored work is now seen as fundamental to climate science. We also talk about the climate re-imaginings of Disney World, creating space for others, and feminist science.

In the final installment of our Elements series, we're dispelling the myth that there is no such thing as good fire. Olivia tells us about the lost indigenous practice of controlled burning, what happens when colonizers ignore indigenous knowledge, and the many ways that native-led prescribed burns could help our planet. Then, Elise explains how the government of California exploits prison labor to fight fires, the reason it’s so hard for formerly incarcerated firefighters to find work, and why we need to change how the public views people with a criminal record. We also discuss climate anxiety (more on this next week!), a new no-waste food app, and our favorite environmental documentaries of late.

**CW: This episode briefly discusses genocide (12:20 - 13:40).

This week we're focusing on two Asian activists fighting for justice. Although Biden may call racism "un-American" in his response to the Atlanta shooting, the reality is much different. Elise tells the story of Tran To Nga, a French-Vietnamese journalist sprayed with toxic Agent Orange by the American military's Operation Ranch Hand during the Vietnam War. Her case against over a dozen chemical companies will reach a decision in May–show your support through the hashtags below. Then, Olivia tells the lesser-known, Filipino-led side of the iconic Delano Grape Strike that revolutionized farmworker's rights in the United States, including leader Larry Itliong who worked alongside Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. We also discuss birthday cakes, new books, and Youtube scavenger hunts.

**CW: This episode discusses racism, anti-asian hate, and chemical warfare.

This week we're dusting off our music business degrees (yes, we both have one) to talk about the music industry and how touring can come back more sustainably. Olivia uses Harry Styles' first solo tour as a case study on eco-friendly efforts of large-scale shows (and as an excuse to talk about One Direction). Then Elise lays out the demands that artists, managers, and fans can advocate for to make concerts more sustainable for everyone, at any budget. We also discuss inequality in the music industry (and the many parallels to climate injustice), developing genuine connection as a means for social change, and how you can support artists for free during a time when so many are struggling to make ends meet. We need more creatives in the climate movement, join us!

Do we need to save the whales all over again? What's the deal with celebrity animals? What does it mean to be a 'flagship species' for your ecosystem? This week, Elise explores how the early whaling industry led to the Save the Whales movement of the 1970s, with a few interesting family connections along the way. Then Olivia tells the story of Keiko, better known as the star of Free Willy, and how celebrity can be as toxic for animals as it can be for humans. We also discuss influential documentaries like Blackfish, diversity in high-budget environmental films, and how we're dealing with our climate (and quarantine) exhaustion.

In the third installment of our Elements series, we've got two very different stories about the earth. Olivia tells the fascinating but devastating story of the exploitation of the Ogoni land and people for oil, including the execution of activists known as the Ogoni Nine. Elise goes a different route, recounting a series of butterfly-effect events that explain how a 19th-century volcano in Indonesia and the "year without a summer" led to some of the pioneering horror writing we still know today. We also discuss joining the dang Zoom, being tired, and Olivia seeing her name deep in the credits of the #1 movie on Netflix.

First things first: we explain why we missed last week, and we think our excuse is pretty solid: Elise was caught in the middle of the ongoing snow-induced Texas energy disaster, which has been exacerbated by climate change and inequality. We talk about how, as white activists, we need to tell stories that help you talk about racial injustice, but we also need to tell celebratory stories of Black joy, success, and leadership in the environmental space. To that effort, Elise tells us the incredible story of the 'Planetwalker' Dr. John Francis, who swore off motorized vehicles and took a 17-year vow of silence after witnessing an oil spill. Then Olivia shares the life of opera singer-turned-environmentalist MaVynee Oshun Betsch, also known as the Beach Lady of American Beach in Florida.

The perfect accompaniment for your Valentine's Day stroll through Target. Or not. This week we cover two subjects related to the holiday of love: chocolate and consumer traps. Olivia tells us about the ongoing lawsuits surrounding the cocoa industry, the companies that have been dragging their feet regarding exploitative practices for decades, and those who are fighting the good fight. Then Elise perfectly describes the layout of your local Target (how does she know?) and what you were thinking the last time you needed "just one thing." Along the way we discuss Tiktok shopping trends, magic tricks, and why you shouldn't boil your bouquet of roses.

*The chocolate story in this episode (09:30 to 35:00) discusses modern-day slavery and child labor.

5 months in and we finally got around to making a trailer! Welcome to World Is Burning, an environmental storytelling podcast hosted by Olivia Hamilton and Elise Nye. We think the most powerful (and least boring) way to inspire action is through storytelling, so every week we tell each other a different story from the climate movement.

In the second installment of our Elements series (not like Olivia forgot or anything), we're taking off into the air. Elise tells us about Starlink, a project of Elon Musk's SpaceX, and how the race for space internet might come with a massive sacrifice. Also, space garbage? Then, Olivia tells the story of the relatively new 'flygskam' movement, all the industry executives pressed by Greta Thunberg, and how flight free travel could be the wave of the future. We talk about what we should (and shouldn't) sacrifice for the greater good, billionaire Twitter feuds, and the connection between wealth and carbon emissions.

**Full content warning below.** This week we're approaching an oft-discussed topic in the environmental movement–veganism! Olivia goes back thousands of years to cover the history of plant-based diets, and Elise brings us through the high and lows of the now-booming meat replacement market. We also discuss our own complicated food journeys, white veganism and gatekeeping within the vegan community, and wisdom gleaned from Jonathan Safran Foer's We Are the Weather.

**Content warning: this episode discusses food and diet, animal cruelty (non-graphic language), systemic racism and colonial history in relation to food, and briefly mentions disordered eating.

Boo fossil fuels! We talk about some joys heading into Inauguration Day and how we plan to demand climate action from the new administration. Elise tackles Joe Biden's wavering approach to a fracking ban and tells the story of Pawnee Nation in Oklahoma. Olivia recounts the best (worst) moments of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Climate Deception Dossiers, which expose decades of misinformation campaigns, lobbying, and fraud from major fossil fuel players.

We're diving headfirst into 2021 with the first installment of our 'Elements' series. This week we're talking about water pollution from the perspective of two unexpected activists: corporate environmental lawyer Rob Bilott and author/advocate/multi-hyphenate Erin Brockovich. Olivia tells the story of a cattle farmer and small community that, with the help of Bilott, sued DuPont for PFOA water pollution. Elise tells the now-iconic story of Erin as a young legal clerk on a case in Hinkley, California against PG&E, and shares insights from Brockovich's recent book on the water crisis.

Our last episode of 2020 covers the complex issue of food deserts and one potential solution: food forests. Olivia talks about food deserts reaching the national conversation through Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign, preference and processed food, and how it all ties back to our episode about… trains? Then Elise gives us a promising solution in the form of Atlanta’s free food forests, and the way they bring community back to the table.

We're off for the month of December but we'll see you in January :) 

This week we dive into the psychology of holiday shopping – how will Black Friday be impacted by the pandemic? Elise tells us which companies to avoid based on their bad behavior at the start of the pandemic, and Olivia recounts the history of Buy Nothing Day, the funny ways it has been celebrated, and the local groups taking it year-round. We also talk about buying things as a way to look forward to something, the tie between overconsumption and the breakdown of community, and how to get new stuff and make friends without buying anything.

This week is all about the collective movements that make people care about saving the earth. We talk about the conservation/preservation debates of the Progressive Era (and all the racist white dudes who led the conversation) and how the Sunrise Movement is building an inclusive wave of climate action with no permanent enemies and no permanent friends.

On this very special Halloween episode, we tell the creepy-crawly of environmental stories, including a new process for composting human remains and a supernatural motivation to follow the “Leave No Trace” principle. Plus, we make time for human skin books, barbecued grasshoppers, Indiana undertakers, and a few personal ghost stories.

Elise’s story starts at 33:45.

World Is Burning, book club edition. We talk about reading to ease climate anxiety, how art helps us process complicated emotions, and coming back to your favorite work over the years.

We read from The Wreck of Time by Annie Dillard as well as poetry by Wumen Huikai, Nnimmo Bassey, Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner, and Mikko Harvey.

This episode marks our first foray into the world of fashion and its relationship with the Earth. We talk about the Tiktok-famous strawberry dress, how clothing consumption has changed in the age of social media, and the odd ways artificial leather has been marketed over the years.

Climate policy is intimidating as hell! This week we broke our format to break down the Green New Deal and the Biden climate plan in the wake of the first presidential debate to directly reference climate change in a question since Al Gore in 2000 (seriously!). We talk about why Biden had to distance himself from the Green New Deal during the debate, climate change and inequality as interconnected crises, and how Biden is a sunny day buddy (we mean… fair-weather friend) of climate with the potential to be a pioneer.

Remember going places? This week we explore why the United States is so behind on high-speed trains and a new mandate to ban gas-powered cars in California by 2035. Plus we discuss why the U.S. needs to lead on climate change (and why we focus so much on American policy), how “clean” biodiesel can be, and we pitch some song ideas for the next eco-inspired country star.

This week was rough because of *gestures broadly* but we're still here to burst your bubble! But really though. We cover the juicy secrets of the "gum base" in your chewing gum and the truth behind "biodegradable" balloons. Then we find ways to still have a fun party and how to use design to change the way we consume plastics. 

This week we talk about our first environmental heroes, conservationists Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall. We go through the social politics of conservation we definitely did NOT understand as kids, falling in love with the only man around, and how our childhood idols are breaking down climate change in 2020.

In our very first episode we cover a ghost town on fire and a neoprene factory in a small Louisiana town. Welcome to World Is Burning, the podcast for your climate anxiety. We talk about who the heck we are, how government and climate disasters are inherently connected, and why the boiling frog fable is more human than you’d think.