Episodes

  • A Journey Through Forestry, Education, and Music with Dr. Thomas Rashad Easley

    A Journey Through Forestry, Education, and Music with Dr. Thomas Rashad Easley
    Oct 10 2025

    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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    56 mins
  • Exploring Climate Fiction and Advocacy with Tori Stephens

    Exploring Climate Fiction and Advocacy with Tori Stephens
    Sep 26 2025

    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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    42 mins
  • Combatting Extreme Heat and Air Quality Challenges w/ Trinity Vetere from Sustainable Sandhills

    Combatting Extreme Heat and Air Quality Challenges w/ Trinity Vetere from Sustainable Sandhills
    Sep 6 2025

    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

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    32 mins
  • Inside the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival: Producer Episode

    Inside the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival: Producer Episode
    Aug 1 2025

    In this episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' co-producer Colin Harden interviews Michelle Lewis, the executive director of the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival and Peace Garden Project founder. They discuss the festival's growth, the importance of making it an international event, and the unique appeal of Manteo, North Carolina. Michelle delves into the festival's origins, its commitment to highlighting global environmental issues through film, and future ambitions. They also share behind-the-scenes insights and personal stories that underscore the festival's mission of community and environmental advocacy.



    01:06 Upcoming Film Festival Excitement

    04:35 The Charm of Manteo and the Outer Banks

    08:36 The Importance of an International Film Festival

    14:17 Michelle's Journey and the Peace Garden Project

    18:46 Giving Back to the Community

    20:36 Organizing a Well-Run Festival

    22:02 Spring Satellite Event

    27:58 Vision for the Festival's Future

    31:18 Using the Climate Stick



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    36 mins
  • From Bird Walks to Biomechanics with Margaret Rubega

    From Bird Walks to Biomechanics with Margaret Rubega
    Jun 27 2025
    In this episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' host Michelle Lewis interviews Margaret Rubega, a professor and expert in ornithology. They discuss Margaret's unique research on birds, including monk parakeets, chimney swifts, and hummingbirds. The conversation covers Margaret's experience of being unexpectedly involved in a significant conservation battle in Eastern California, where she studied the impact of water export on bird populations. They explore the complex relationship between biomechanics, foraging, and feeding in birds and their ability to adapt to environmental changes. Michelle and Margaret share personal anecdotes about bird watching and the challenges of conservation work. They highlight the importance of understanding and honoring the intrinsic value of birds and the interconnectedness of ecosystems. The episode concludes with Margaret emphasizing that hope is a choice and discussing the importance of addressing short-term costs to enable long-term climate solutions.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    52 mins
  • What Are You Really Wearing? Unveiling the Importance of Sustainable Fashion w/ Jeff Garner, Director of 'Let Them Be Naked'

    What Are You Really Wearing? Unveiling the Importance of Sustainable Fashion w/ Jeff Garner, Director of 'Let Them Be Naked'
    Jun 13 2025
    Michelle Lewis hosts Jeff Garner, an Emmy award-winning filmmaker and sustainable fashion designer, on her podcast 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis.' They discuss Garner's new documentary 'Let Them Be Naked,' highlighting the harmful effects of synthetic fabrics and dyes on health and the environment. Garner advocates for natural fibers and transparency in fashion production. They also talk about Garner's design process, his motivation from his late mother, and the importance of raising awareness among consumers. Garner aims to inspire change through his film by emphasizing the significant role of mothers in making sustainable choices for their families.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    22 mins
  • Feminist Climate Advocacy w/ Frances Roberts-Gregory

    Feminist Climate Advocacy w/ Frances Roberts-Gregory
    May 23 2025
    In this podcast episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' Michelle interviews Francis Roberts Gregory, a feminist political ecologist and environmental anthropologist. Francis shares her journey from her eco-conscious upbringing by a single mother in rural North Carolina and Georgia, her formal education in environmental science, to her extensive work in environmental justice. She discusses her research on black and indigenous women's navigation of environmental issues, participation in UN climate negotiations, and her involvement in ecofeminist coalitions. The conversation touches on environmental racism in North Carolina, her transformative experiences of studying abroad in South Africa, and her ambitions in climate policy advocacy. Both discuss the significance of mentorship, resilience in the face of challenges, and the importance of community and authentic connections in fostering hope. The episode reflects on topics ranging from the personal impacts of environmental injustices to the collective efforts needed to drive meaningful climate action.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    36 mins
  • Green Faith: Susannah Tuttle's Journey to Eco-Justice

    Green Faith: Susannah Tuttle's Journey to Eco-Justice
    Apr 11 2025
    In this podcast episode titled 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' hosted by the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival, Susanna Tuttle, the Director of the Eco-Justice Connection for the North Carolina Council of Churches, shares her journey and work in environmental and climate justice. Susanna discusses her background, including her upbringing in California and Wisconsin, her education in ecological ethics, and her work at the Council promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy in congregations. She also talks about the importance of truth-telling and advocacy in the climate movement, highlighting the role of youth activists. Emphasizing the need for inclusive, interfaith efforts in environmental stewardship, Susanna shares her vision for addressing climate issues through community and systemic change, targeting the church, the crown, and corporations as pivotal areas for accountability and reparative action.

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