Host Michelle Lewis interviews Aisha Ellis on Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis about D-Town Farm, an extension of the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network and a seven-acre urban farm in Detroit’s River Rouge Park operating on long-term city leases and farming about 2.5 acres since acquiring the former Meyers Nursery land in 2008. Ellis shares how concern about GMOs and feeding her young son led her to growing, and how she joined D-Town Farm through a 2013 internship after working as a dance teacher. She describes her start in the Food Warriors afterschool gardening program, teaching children to grow and taste fresh produce while learning how advertising shapes unhealthy food choices. Ellis frames farming as purpose, stewardship, and resistance, discusses challenges like pests, limited staff and reliance on volunteers, and highlights beehives, senior food distribution, a Harvest Festival around the equinox, and dbcfsn.org. She concludes with a “climate stick” vision of protecting a clean, healthy climate for everyone.

00:00 Welcome and Retreat Meet

01:16 D Town Farm Origins

02:49 Aisha Starts Growing

05:54 Food Warriors Kids Program

11:18 Why Farming Matters

13:13 Heat Waves and Harvest Joy

16:12 Favorite Crops and Pests

21:36 Volunteers and Farm Operations

23:37 Advice for New Growers

25:26 D Town Events and Support

27:27 Climate Stick Vision

28:57 Closing Thanks and Goodbye

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In this episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' host Michelle Lewis interviews filmmaker Kristen Tièche about her film 'The Invisible Mammal,' which explores the lives of bats and the devastating impact of white nose syndrome. Kristen shares her journey from discovering bats as a graduate student to making a film aimed at raising awareness and love for these misunderstood creatures. The discussion covers the ecological importance of bats, the challenges they face from diseases and environmental changes, and the innovative conservation efforts like 'Operation Fat Bat.' Kristen also highlights the importance of individual actions in community conservation efforts and how people can support and screen her film. The episode ends with a thought-provoking discussion on using a hypothetical 'climate stick' to encourage sustainable transportation.

Be sure to visit www.obxeff.com for more information on the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival.

00:36 Kristen's Journey to Filmmaking and Bats

02:38 The Impact of White Nose Syndrome

07:15 Raising Awareness and Love for Bats

09:26 Bats' Contributions to Ecosystems

13:41 Bat Rehabilitation and Conservation Efforts

25:14 Current and Future Projects

28:23 Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis

34:09 Conclusion and Where to Watch the Film

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Host Michelle Lewis introduces an episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis' recorded live at the Environmental Film Festival. Special guest Susan, a filmmaker and environmental advocate, discusses her film 'Building Bombs,' co-directed with Mark Mori, which examines the unethical and hazardous handling of nuclear waste at the Savannah River plant in South Carolina. Through a Q&A with Colin, they highlight the film’s relevance to current environmental and governmental issues as of 2025. Susan shares insights into the film’s production, updates on the cleanup efforts, and the shift in health studies from the Department of Energy to other agencies. She also emphasizes community engagement, the challenges in nuclear non-proliferation, and offers advice for aspiring filmmakers and community vetting of documentary projects. The episode underscores the importance of hope and activism in tackling environmental issues.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:15 Susan's Background and Film Overview

01:09 Discussion on the Film's Impact

03:05 Audience Engagement and Reflections

05:31 Making of the Film

08:11 Updates on the Film's Issues

11:31 Film Restoration Process

13:57 Audience Q&A

17:20 Future Projects and Festival Insights

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