Yearly Archives: 2017

George Monbiot: Altruism For An Age Of Crisis (re-broadcast)

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When you think of the values emblematic of politics in the Occident, does the term “altruism” come to mind? Probably not lately. Our guest today on Sea Change Radio believes that a participatory culture with altruism at its core will be key to digging ourselves out of the mess that is our current political climate. This week we are speaking with one of the world’s leading environmental voices, George Monbiot. Acclaimed author, journalist, and activist, Monbiot talks to host Alex Wise about his latest book, “Out Of The Wreckage: A New Politics In The Age Of Crisis.” He discusses what he sees as lessons from the 2016 U.S. presidential election, why a growth-orientation on both right and left are incompatible with sustainability, and how we can infuse more altruism into our culture and politics.

Ganjapreneurs: Andy Greenberg & Sharon Krinsky

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With the passing of the 21st amendment in 1933, the United States repealed alcohol prohibition. Prior to the prohibition era, saloons had catered to an almost exclusively male clientele. So it took several years for distillers and brewers to catch on to the fact that women enjoyed drinking alcohol, as well. The first successful spirits marketing campaign that targeted women, for Crown Royal whiskey, was in 1939 – with the velvety purple pouch apparently meant to double as a jewelry bag. Fast forward to 2017, where cannabis prohibition is beginning to crumble state-by-state. Like its liquid predecessor, the cannabis industry is still largely male-dominated. This week on Sea Change Radio, we speak to two women who are working to change all that. Andy Greenberg and Sharon Krinsky, are the founders of Society Jane, a cannabis business that targets women customers. We discuss the game-changing medicinal benefits of a relatively new cannabonoid derivative, CBD, how it appeals to a female market, and the challenges this burgeoning industry faces while prohibition is still technically the law of the land.

Aaron Huertas: Science Justice Warrior

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Science is a required subject from kindergarten through 12th grade. It is not only a set of facts, it’s a way of thinking that has served as the engine for change. Yet, in the political landscape of the U.S., science has somehow become a controversial, and even divisive topic. How have we arrived at this reality wherein some people actively oppose the systematic search for knowledge? This week on Sea Change Radio, we check in with science communicator Aaron Huertas about his advocacy work. We discuss the fight for science justice, talk about the intersection of religion, science and politics, and look at some examples of how political divisions in this country damage the science community, and ultimately, all of us.

Sami Grover on Planes, Trains and Automobiles of the Future

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As many of us prepare for the hectic holiday hustle of planes, trains and automobiles, we might be thinking about how our travel plans are going to increase our carbon footprints. Fortunately, there are important strides being made to electrify these modes of transportation. This week on Sea Change Radio, we hear from Treehugger’s Sami Grover who gives us a peek into two projects coming out of the U.K. — one will allow jets to use less fuel and emit less carbon, and the other enables trains to stop spewing dirty diesel. We talk with Grover about the current state of these technological innovations, discuss how private and public sectors are working to foster innovation, and look at other movements toward electric transit happening around the globe.

Poisonous Waters: Neela Banerjee on Fracking

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During the 2016 presidential race, many environmentalists found it disheartening that Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump actually seemed to agree on the expansion of fracking in the US. Some of us were wondering if the fight had been lost. That’s why it’s so encouraging to see good journalism persisting in the face of general indifference. This week on Sea Change Radio, we speak to Neela Banerjee of Inside Climate News, who recently wrote an article chronicling the travails of one small, vulnerable western Pennsylvania family. Her piece also brought to light why one government contractor was reluctant to attach its name to an EPA report that downplayed the risks of fracking. We discuss how irresponsible policy can lead to devastating consequences for real people.

Barret Werk & Davida Herzl

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Here at Sea Change Radio, we are truly thankful to all the guests who take the time to share their thoughts with us. And since it’s Thanksgiving week, we decided to dig into our archives from earlier in the year. First, we speak to Hawaiian-based bicycle maker, Barret Werk, who uses bamboo, the strongest grass around, to make his bike frames. Then, we hear part of our discussion with Davida Herzl, the CEO and co-founder of Aclima, a San Francisco-based company that refers to itself as a “FitBit for the planet.” Herzl explains how Aclima’s technology works, how the company makes money, and the opportunities that lie ahead as the industry of measuring air pollution evolves.

Joel Solomon: The Dirt On Clean Money

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Are people’s investment and buying decisions fueled by beneficence or are they simply selfish acts? This week’s guest on Sea Change Radio, Joel Solomon, believes that the future of our economic well-being hinges upon our ability to recognize, develop, and reward inherent altruism. We discuss Solomon’s new book, The Clean Money Revolution: Reinventing Power, Purpose, and Capitalism, including a view of current markets and Solomon’s vision for 2050. Then, we dig into the Sea Change Radio archives and listen to an interview with an anonymous engineer who has worked in the Russian gold mining industry. He shares his experiences and talks about mining industry practices and sustainability efforts.

Sammy Roth: Desert Power Investigation

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With all the false claims about “fake news” and verifiable lies being proffered as facts by the president and others, it’s quite refreshing to be reminded that there is still some fantastic journalism taking place in this country. This week on Sea Change Radio, host Alex Wise speaks to Desert Sun energy reporter Sammy Roth about his investigative piece on the Imperial Irrigation District (IID). Roth’s work exposed deep conflicts of interest at this district, tucked away in a remote section of southeastern California. We talk about the dramatic impact Roth’s reporting has had at IID, and more generally about how good journalism can be a force for rapid social change.

Where There’s Smoke: California Wildfires

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Most of us associate Napa and Sonoma counties with delicious wine and rolling hills. But this year those hills were ablaze. Dozens lost their lives, thousands were displaced, and millions of people suffered from the fire’s noxious fumes. This week on Sea Change Radio our guests are journalist Jeremy Miller whose recent article about the fires appeared in the New Yorker magazine, and Ed Struzik who just published a book chronicling the connection between wildfires and climate change.

Marco Krapels: Empowering Puerto Rico

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We have profiled nonprofit startup Empowered By Light in the past because of the organization’s good work in developing countries. This week on Sea Change Radio, we speak to one of its co-founders because of the work they’re currently doing in this country. Marco Krapels joins us to discuss his recent trip to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Krapels talks about what compelled him to go, gives us an eyewitness account of the devastation there, and outlines the services Empowered By Light is providing to local Puerto Ricans. Then, on the heels of our discussion with George Monbiot, we dig into the Sea Change Radio archive to take a listen to last year’s interview with Becky Bond and Zack Exley, two senior advisers for the Bernie Sanders campaign who influenced Monbiot’s most recent book.