In this episode of Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis, host Michelle Lewis interviews Dr. Thomas Rashad Easley, a multifaceted individual who has carved a diverse career path as a forester, educator, consultant, and musician. Dr. Easley shares his journey from growing up in North Birmingham with his gardening grandparents, through his educational pursuits in forestry and tree genetics at Alabama A&M and Iowa State, to his career highlights including his role as the inaugural Dean of Diversity at Yale School of Environment. He provides insights into the importance of diversity in natural resources, shares stories from his time at NC State, and discusses the integration of his love for music with his professional work. Dr. Easley also touches on his musical journey, the inspiration behind his tracks, and how he uses music to connect with and motivate students. Concluding the conversation, Dr. Easley reflects on the sources of his hope and resilience, and offers advice for young individuals interested in forestry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:04 Diversity in Forestry

01:54 Early Life and Education

03:18 College and Career Beginnings

10:19 Transition to Administration and DEI Work

15:35 Music and Personal Passions

27:21 Personal Transformation Journey

28:05 Financial Growth and Independence

28:39 Academic and Professional Evolution

29:29 Family Legacy and Civil Rights Activism

34:44 Advice for Aspiring Foresters

40:19 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

48:17 The Climate Stick Question

54:24 Closing Remarks and Music Promotion

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In this episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' host Michelle interviews Tori Stephens, a climate fiction publisher and network weaver at Grist. Celebrating Grist's 25 years of climate-specific reporting, Tori highlights their long-form investigative journalism and focus on climate justice, food, and plastic pollution. He shares his journey from health equity advocacy to climate storytelling and details the creation of 'Imagine 2200,' a climate fiction project aimed at inspiring hopeful and diverse narratives. Tori also discusses mutual aid, the importance of offline community engagement, and the potential role of nuclear energy in climate solutions.

00:00 Introduction to Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis

00:40 Grist: 25 Years of Climate Reporting

04:01 Tori Stevens' Journey into Climate Advocacy

08:06 The Birth of Imagine 2200

10:49 Exploring Climate Fiction

16:22 Stories of Hope and Justice

20:50 The Synthetic Nature of Third Spaces

21:09 Highlighting a Jamaican Story: The Metamorphosis of Marie Martin

22:56 The Contest's Journey and Future Plans

25:18 Creative Storytelling Initiatives

27:20 Finding Joy and Hope in Environmental Work

30:43 The Importance of Mutual Aid

34:18 Engaging Climate Narratives in Media

39:04 The Role of Nuclear Energy in Climate Solutions

41:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis, host Michelle Lewis interviews Trinity Vetere, the project coordinator for Sustainable Sandhills. Trinity discusses her journey from being a florist to studying sustainability, driven by her passion for environmental conservation. The conversation delves into Sustainable Sandhills' impactful work in addressing extreme heat and poor air quality, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations. Trinity explains the importance of tailored outreach and education, using creative methods to engage with different communities. She also highlights the organization’s efforts in waste management, air quality monitoring, and the broader systemic changes needed for sustainable development. The episode sheds light on the interconnected challenges and solutions related to climate resilience.

00:00 Introduction to Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis

00:21 Meet Trinity Veery: From Art to Sustainability

01:42 Trinity's Journey and Passion for Environmental Change

03:54 Sustainable Sandhills and Extreme Heat Initiatives

07:30 Challenges and Conversations in Vulnerable Communities

19:28 Air Quality and Waste Management Efforts

27:31 The Bigger Picture: Systemic Changes and Final Thoughts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.