Episodes

  • Addie is joined this week by Maggie Lemere, a documentary filmmaker and storyteller, as she shares her journey into the world of climate awareness and environmental storytelling. She discusses her background in human rights and how it intersects with environmental issues, her experiences growing up surrounded by nature, and the importance of storytelling in connecting people to climate issues.

    We talk about:

    Redefining environmental activism and the need for diverse representation in climate narratives

    The transformative power of outdoor experiences

    The intersection of human rights and the environment

    Her work with National Geographic and her current film projects

    Paddling the Potomac and walking across the Serengheti (casual)

    Links

    Maggie’s Website

    Maggie Instagram

    Ashoka

    Maggie’s Book Nowhere To Be Home

    Doc Society

    Nat Geo Explorers

    Maggie’s Explorer Page

    Boundary Waters

    Nat Geo’s Great Migration Trip

    NOLS

    Vs. Goliath

    Cancer Alley

    Pacific Climate Warriors

    Matagi Mālohi

    Not Too Late Book

    Keywords

    climate change, environmental storytelling, documentary filmmaking, human rights, outdoor recreation, nature connection, Indigenous communities, climate awareness, storytelling strategies, National Geographic, filmmaking, climate crisis, environmental activism, storytelling, Palestinian culture, documentary, regenerative agriculture, community impact, oral history

  • This week we welcome Zoe Young to the Where The Climate Things Are podcast! In this episode, we explore the intersection of climate change, storytelling, and community action. Zoe shares her journey as a climate writer and her experiences with The Nature Conservancy, emphasizing the importance of nature-based solutions and the power of storytelling in communicating climate issues.

    We talk about:

    Art as climate activism

    Climate fiction and storytelling futures

    Helping spur action and behavior change

    Nature as the ultimate climate solution

    Zoe’s band, the Furious Tits, and their climate songwriting

    Links

    Zoe’s Website

    Zoe’s Instagram

    Two Futures Installation

    Two Futures Designer’s Website

    Grist piece - The Last Almond

    Grist.org

    Groundwater recharge

    WTCTA Substack Climate Strides recap

    30 x 30 Framework

    P22 (Mountain Lion)

    The Water Knife book

    Desperate Pleasures song

    Keywords

    climate change, climate writing, storytelling, nature-based solutions, community, climate activism, emotional journey, climate fiction, environmental science, hope

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  • This week, Addie is joined by the team behind Better Trail - Jenny Abegg and Katie Oram. They discuss the founding and mission of Better Trail, a platform dedicated to promoting sustainability in outdoor gear. They share personal experiences that shaped their views on climate change, the importance of transparency in brand practices, and the need for educated consumers in the outdoor recreation space.

    We talk about:

    The merging of gear reviews with sustainability metrics

    The intersection of outdoor gear and public lands

    The challenges and triumphs of building a company from scratch

    Both Jenny and Katie’s entry points into the sustainability conversation

    What its like to be a gear tester (hint: it’s not all fun and games!)

    Links

    Better Trail

    Katie IG

    Jenny IG

    Lander Climate Action Network

    BlueSign

    Outdoor Industry Association

    Science-Based Targets initiative

    Higg Index

    Terry Tempest Williams

    PFAS

    WTCTA Patreon

    Keywords

    Better Trail, sustainability, climate change, outdoor gear, environmental education, transparency, consumer journey, brand engagement, climate action, outdoor recreation, environmental awareness, outdoor gear, public lands, sustainability, climate solutions, gear testing, community engagement, advocacy, education

  • This week, Addie shares the substack post "An Urgent Call To Action" on WTCTA's Substack and discusses how we can all get involved in raising our voices together.

    Important links!

    POW's Campaign Link to take actionPOW's social postOriginal WTCTA substack post

    Keywords

    climate advocacy, public lands, clean energy, outdoor community, political engagement, Protect Our Winners, climate action, environmental conservation, community mobilization, grassroots activism

  • Paddy O’Leary on the pod! We discuss the recent Climate Strides event in San Francisco, reflecting on the importance of community engagement and interactive storytelling in climate advocacy. We also explore Paddy's background, his journey from Ireland to becoming a professional trail runner and community organizer, and the significance of connecting people through shared experiences and discussions about climate change.

    We talk about:

    Climate Strides SF! And SF Climate Week

    Paddy’s upbringing and early connections to nature

    Being a science communicator and how that relates to climate

    His foray into filmmaking and upcoming projects

    His “ahh” and “aha!” moments on climate

    Links

    Paddy’s Instagram

    Paddy as a POW Athlete Alliance Member

    Climate Strides SF

    November Project

    Urban Oasis

    How to Recall

    Iroquois Lacrosse

    Luke Wicker’s Run

    Ricky Gates / Transamericana

    Ricky Gates / Every Single Street

    Dooster

    Dipsea Race

    Dipsea Generations Teaser

    Sutro Stewards

    Keywords

    climate change, community engagement, storytelling, climate advocacy, San Francisco, event organization, Climate Strides, lacrosse, cancer biology, November Project, running community, youth participation, trail running, climate activism, Dipsea Race, rewilding, community engagement, environmental awareness, youth participation, science communication, outdoor spaces, conservation

  • We are joined this week by Kelly Newlon of RAD Boulder (Real Athlete Diets), a professional chef and athlete manager with a commitment to sustainability and environmental advocacy. She discusses her early influences, her culinary background, and the pivotal moments that led her to focus on feeding endurance athletes around the world. Kelly also highlights the importance of working with purpose-driven athletes who advocate for meaningful causes, illustrating how her work supports their missions and contributes to a larger environmental impact.

    We talk about:

    The origin story of RAD

    How environmentalism feeds into every part of the work she does

    Building trust with athletes and brands

    Sourcing and using local ingredients for meals, and the impacts of climate on local producers globally

    The Do Epic Shit movement she has created in the trail community and beyond :) (IYKYK, and if you don’t, listen in!)

    Links

    RAD Boulder on instagram

    RAD Boulder website

    Culinary Institute of America

    Mina Guli WTCTA podcast episode

    Clare Gallagher Trail Ahead podcast episode

    Adam Merry Trail Ahead podcast episode

    UNEP swim activation

    TrailCon

    WTCTA Patreon

    Keywords

    Real Athlete Diets, sports nutrition, environmental advocacy, athlete management, sustainability, culinary arts, regenerative agriculture, Boulder, endurance athletes, environmental advocacy, athletes, sustainable food sourcing, global organizations, community recognition, climate solutions, purpose-driven work, outdoor community, water crisis, positive storytelling

  • This week, Timothy Lock joins the podcast to share his journey growing up on the coast of Maine, falling in love with the outdoors and eventually becoming an architect focused on ecological design. He discusses his deep connection to nature, shaped by his experiences in Acadia National Park, and how these moments influenced his commitment to climate action.

    We talk about:

    His career in low-emissions architecture and design

    Connection to outdoor experiences and how they influence his work

    A passion for mountaineering and climbing that has shifted towards ultrarunning

    Changing our habits to use less in our lives

    Maine, obviously

    Links

    Tim’s Instagram

    Opal Website

    Opal Instagram

    Presidential Traverse

    Presi Traverse FKT

    Pemi Loop

    Passive House

    Tim’s Article in AIA Philadelphia Context Magazine

    More on Tim’s White House Policy Office work

    WTCTA Patreon

    Keywords

    climate action, architecture, outdoor recreation, ultra running, Maine, Acadia National Park, ecological design, personal growth, nature connection, outdoor experiences, environmental connection, sustainability, passive house, advocacy, built environment, energy efficiency, community impact, certifications, climate solutions, demand mitigation, environmental design, ecological benefits, bipartisan messaging, consumption, sustainability, architecture, trail running, New England, vertical kilometers, environmental advocacy, endurance sports, outdoor challenges, running community, technical trails

  • This week, Jon Jon Moore Palacios joins the podcast to discuss his journey as a writer and communicator in the climate space, sharing insights on his academic experiences, the importance of honesty in environmental discourse and the need for proactive engagement in climate action. Our conversation emphasized the intersection of personal identity and environmental issues, highlighting the stakes involved in addressing climate change.

    We talk about:

    His background in Black studies and how to uplift those thinking Blackly about climate and climate justice

    His career journey and his work at Rewiring America as well as his new initiative, Black in Climate

    “Meeting people where they are” and what that needs to be instead

    His serendipitous discovery of Footprints Running which has led to a leadership role in the organization

    Recently running a marathon after not identifying as “runner” per se

    Links

    Jon Jon’s Instagram

    Jon Jon’s LinkedIn

    Jon Jon’s GoFundMe Fundraiser for Visualizing Palestine

    Visualizing Palestine

    Rewiring America

    Black in Climate

    Footprints

    Footprints Instagram

    Blackness and the Pitfalls of Anthropocene Ethics by Axelle Karera

    Climatebase

    Climate Vine

    RA’s Home site

    Quilt

    SF Climate Week

    WTCTA Patreon

    Keywords

    climate change, environmental justice, Black in Climate, electrification, graduate school, climate awareness, home renovation, honesty in discourse, meeting people where they are, climate action, decolonial, heat pump, electrification, communication, advocacy, Rewiring America, speechwriting, community engagement, user journeys, nonprofit challenges, outdoor spaces, personal growth, running, transformative experiences, climate justice, safe spaces

  • This week we welcome Mina Guli to the pod. Mina shares her unique journey from a background in law and finance to becoming a water advocate and ultra runner. She discusses her pivotal moments of realization regarding the global water crisis and how she uses her running as a tool for advocacy.

    We talk about:

    the importance of storytelling in raising awareness and driving change

    her personal evolution as a runner and advocate.

    The Thirst Foundation, her global nonprotif for water advocacy and action

    the necessity of community, vulnerability, and resilience in tackling the water crisis

    Not necessarily enjoying running all the time (but doing it anyways for an environmental cause)

    Links

    Mina’s instagram

    Mina’s website

    World Economic Forum

    7 Deserts Run

    Marathon des Sables

    Thirst Foundation

    100 Marathons project

    Run Blue 200 Marathons

    World Water Relay

    Fog Harvesting

    WTCTA Patreon

    Keywords

    water crisis, climate change, advocacy, running, environmental awareness, global water shortage, storytelling, community engagement, corporate responsibility, sustainable practices, water crisis, Thirst Foundation, community resilience, climate solutions, global advocacy, running for water, personal commitment, environmental activism, grassroots movements, hope and resilience

  • Climate Strides co-facilitator Brittany Blitzer joins the podcast to reflect on the recent event focused on climate action, discussing her personal experiences with climate change, the innovative design of the event, and the importance of movement in fostering meaningful conversations. We explore how to create inclusive spaces for dialogue and the potential for future collaborations in the outdoor recreation and climate action spaces. We also intersperse some recorded audio from the day.

    We talk about:

    Her own aha moment on climate!

    The origination of the event idea

    How it went, and what we want to do next!

    Keywords

    climate action, event design, facilitation, outdoor recreation, community engagement, innovative approaches, movement, networking, personal stories, collaboration

  • In this episode of the Where The Climate Things Are podcast, Jr Rodriguez shares his journey as a mestizo filmmaker and adventure photographer, discussing his background, his awakening to climate issues, and his passion for outdoor recreation.

    We talk about:

    Growing up in Houston and witnessing environmental inequity firsthand

    Working in adaptation and resilience efforts

    The role of people-centric storytelling in environmentalism

    The intersection of cultural heritage, climate change and outdoor access

    Coffee!

    Links

    Jr’s instagram

    Māori intro

    Protect Our Winters

    Last Descents piece

    Houston Parks Bayou Map

    Greens Bayou

    Halls Bayou

    Glacier Book

    Colo Coffee

    Patagonia coffee/mountain bike film

    Barnacle Food hotsauce

    WTCTA Patreon

    keywords

    climate change, environmental justice, outdoor recreation, storytelling, community engagement, filmmaking, Houston, personal journey, climate awareness, nature connection, flood mitigation, environmental work, storytelling, cultural heritage, innovative solutions, community impact, filmmaking, environmentalism, economic incentives

  • RT on the pod! Join us for a bonus episode recounting a recent trip to New Zealand.

    We talk about:

    Ryan’s coverage of and takeaways from the Tarawera race

    The country’s general approach to conservation and outdoor access

    A double bonus topic: exploring Middle Earth

    Links

    Ryan’s Instagram

    Tarawera race

    Freetrail race coverage

    Redwoods in NZ

    River, mountain, forest personhood in NZ

    Māori ceremony, the haka

    Māori greeting, the hongi

    Tiaki Promise

    Running Styles of New York | Tallest Man On Earth

    Hawaii water psa

    The NZ trip in 60 seconds

    Want to support WTCTA? Check out the Patreon

    Keywords

    Tarawera race, New Zealand, Māori culture, environmental conservation, trail running, ultrarunning, accessibility, nature partnership, outdoor experiences

  • In this conversation, Rae Oquirrh Dial shares her journey of personal transformation, environmental awakening, and entrepreneurial spirit. From her childhood experiences in nature to her profound realizations about climate change, mental health and grief, Rae discusses how these elements have shaped her identity and work.

    We talk about:

    Her love of nature stemming from a free-range childhood Co-founding the women-focused outdoor industry brand, Wylder Grief and confronting mortality The link between mental health, anxiety and climate, and her current project Unthinkable Storytelling!

    Links

    Cradle to Cradle book

    Wylder - Outside Magazine article

    The Prophet by Khalil Gibran

    Gen Dread substack

    Generation Dread book

    Dr Britt Wray

    Unthinkable.earth

    Eco Anxiety as a Privilege

    Movement Narrative TED Talk

    ⁠Want to support WTCTA? Visit the Patreon.

    Keywords

    climate migration, environmental identity, entrepreneurship, grief, mental health, sustainability, personal transformation, outdoor industry, creativity, climate anxiety, mental health, climate change, grief, community resilience, eco-anxiety, unthinkable, climate emotions, adaptation, collective care, movement building

  • This episode features Khanh Vu, a humanitarian affairs and climate and environmental protection professional who is also a surfer and climber. Khanh Vu shares more about her upbringing in Vietnam, her various experiences that deepened her bond with the environment, and her wide-ranging career in humanitarian work, including her newer focus on the intersection of humanitarian work and climate impacts.

    We talk about:

    Different types of connections to nature

    Humanitarian work in the face of climate migration

    Climate mainstreaming

    Cultural perspectives on environmentalism

    Seaweed!

    Links

    WWOOFing

    MIT Solve Khanh Bio

    Design Thinking

    Gender Mainstreaming

    Climate Mainstreaming

    Seaweed Farming Carbon Drawdown

    Sinking Seaweed in the Ocean

    Cow Methane Reduction from Seaweed

    How to Save a Planet: Kelp Farming for the Climate Episode (Part I)

    How to Save a Planet: Kelp Farming for the Climate Episode (Part II)

    ⁠Want to support WTCTA? Visit the Patreon.

    Keywords

    climate, humanitarian work, nature, personal journey, environmental responsibility, design thinking, social innovation, mental health, refugee resettlement, climate awareness, climate migration, environmental impact, humanitarian sector, behavioral change, climate solutions, seaweed, climate crisis, conflict

  • In this conversation, Nicholas Triolo shares his journey in writing, running, environmental storytelling and activism. He discusses his awakening to climate advocacy through community engagement and reflects on the importance of storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding of environmental issues.

    We talk about:

    His identity as someone who writes and the path he’s had through outdoor storytelling (at publications like Orion and Trail Runner magazines)

    What it means to be in right relationship with a landscape and with nature

    The profound experience of visiting Antarctica to write about a stage race

    His forthcoming book, “The Way Around,” about circumambulation

    The best (and coolest?) summer job he’s ever had

    Links:

    Nick’s Essay “In The Way”

    Orion Magazine

    Western States Endurance Run

    “The Musician” from Salomon

    Racing the Planet Event Series

    The Quickening by Elizabeth Rush

    W.S. Merwin Poem

    The Way Around (Nick’s Forthcoming Book!)

    Nick’s book preview/summary from Milkweed

    Meander, Spiral, Explode by Jane Alison

    Doppelganger by Naomi Klein

    ⁠Want to support WTCTA? Visit the Patreon.

    Keywords

    climate change, environmental awareness, storytelling, activism, running, community, mentorship, creative writing, environmental studies, personal journey, Antarctica, ultrarunning ,environmentalism, circularity, climate change, storytelling, personal growth, self-discovery, nature, conservation

  • On this week’s episode, Kate Courtin shares her journey as a runner and climate policy professional. She reflects on her deep-rooted love for the outdoors, her pivotal moments of realization regarding climate change, and her career trajectory in environmental advocacy.

    We talk about:

    Finding your “team,” in sport and in climate The importance of state-level advocacy and the power of local action (and how individuals can engage here) Thoughts on motherhood in the context of climate change Art and poetry as climate inspiration The changing landscape of running goals over time

    Links:

    Kate’s Instagram

    Superfund Act

    Brownfields Program

    Obama Clean Power Plan

    Nature Conservancy

    Environmental Defense Fund

    November Project

    Philly Runner Track Club

    Paris Agreement

    US Climate Alliance

    America is All In

    All We Can Save

    To Be Of Use Poem

    ⁠Want to support WTCTA? Visit the Patreon.

    Keywords:

    climate policy, environmental advocacy, running community, motherhood, climate awareness, environmental justice, outdoor activities, personal journey, community impact, climate change, parenting, environmental advocacy, local action, clean energy, community engagement, climate solutions, state policy, environmental justice, art and climate

  • This week, Tim Tollefson joins us once again on the WTCTA pod for a full episode. We dive into his experiences in professional ultra running, climate awareness, and the creation of Mammoth Trail Fest amidst the backdrop of a changing climate in Mammoth, CA.

    We talk about:

    Pivotal moments that shaped his understanding of environmental issues The connection between climate and trail running His experience as a race director (including his biggest surprise as an RD) and the community he’s created at MTF The need for advocacy around public lands Very importantly, our middle names

    Links:

    Tim's instagram

    Mammoth Trail Fest

    US Forest Service article

    We Can't Run Away From This book

    Not The End Of The World book

    ⁠Want to support WTCTA? Visit the Patreon.

    climate awareness, ultrarunning, trail running, Mammoth Trail Fest, environmental changes, mental health, community engagement, race director, outdoor recreation, environmental awareness, public lands, climate challenges, community engagement, event planning, sustainability, advocacy, recreation

  • Spencer Fields is a clean energy specialist who is also a skier, climber, (former) backpacking trip leader, musician and new dad. Spencer shares his journey in the clean energy sector, his love for outdoor recreation, and the importance of effective communication in climate action.

    We talk about:

    His long career in the environmental/electrification space Outdoor passions fueling 9-5 work Climate communication as a tool for change Attending COP17 (yes, MANY years ago) Music!

    Links:

    ⁠Energy Sage⁠

    ⁠Noble Carbon⁠

    ⁠Rewiring America⁠

    ⁠Quilt Heat Pumps Hat ⁠

    ⁠AdventureTreks⁠

    ⁠Tommy Caldwell Podcast Episode⁠

    ⁠Study of nature connection to care about climate

    ⁠Cargo ships and recent developments

    Research on consumer energy journeys

    ⁠Energy Sage Solar Calculator⁠

    ⁠Bonus link: Lawrence⁠

    ⁠Want to support WTCTA? Visit the Patreon.

    climate change, clean energy, outdoor recreation, electrification, solar energy, environmental education, climate action, communication strategies, personal experiences, sustainability, environment, COP17, environmental policy, sustainability, climate solutions, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, renewable energy

  • Lauro Silva is a trail runner, environmental justice advocate, community leader, designer and educator. They are building pathways to environmental action and inclusion for BIPOC folks in the outdoor community. We talk about identity, access, environmental justice and community care, and what belonging in the climate movement means to them. We also discuss their new initiative, Tierra Libre.

    We talk about:

    How having a relationship with nature is essential for effective climate action Their upbringing and how that influences their community work today Trail running, and more trail running Their new initiative, Tierra Libre Climate gardens!

    Links

    Lauro’s Instagram

    Footprints running

    Victory Gardens

    Tierra Libre

    Wyeast Wolfpack

    ⁠Want to support WTCTA? Visit the Patreon.

    trail running, climate action, cultural identity, environmental justice, community building, Tierra Libre, Footprints camp, personal growth, outdoor inclusivity