The Beach Speaks: Community, Connection, and Hope
with Paige Friend
Today I'm taking a moment to acknowledge and learn from a podcaster who reminded me of the importance of connecting with the natural world. Paige Friend hosts "The Beach Speaks", a podcast that centers around the universal appeal of the beach and its calming effects. Through her episodes, Paige delves into personal connections to the beach, reminding us to think about the ocean and its miraculous role in our ecosystems and our psyches. By incorporating stories, community engagement, and hope-driven messages about the ocean and the beach, the Paige aims to foster a deeper relationship with nature and encourage proactive awareness among her listeners.
00:00 Nature's influence: Beach, redwood, healing, inspiration.
06:35 Beach closure surprised us; nature remains essential.
08:17 Single-use plastics impact environment; Beaches Go Green.
11:23 Kayaking trip lacked expected manatees, disappointment ensued.
16:14 Morning beach ritual interrupted by construction work.
17:45 Beach preservation and pollution's interconnection, policy needed.
21:56 Ocean sounds soothe and benefit our minds.
25:47 Kayak Titusville: bioluminescence, Bird Island, conservation concerns.
31:24 Engage with The Beach Speaks via website.
32:41 Art Heals All Wounds: Beaches connect us all.
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Hope is a Renewable Resource: Fighting Fossil Fuel Narratives
with Christa Avampato
Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Christa Avampato, a storyteller, climate activist, and a beacon of hope in New York City. Christa shares her journey of resilience, from growing up on an apple farm amidst adversity to becoming a fervent advocate for environmental protection. As a biomimicry scientist and business expert, she's dedicated to reshaping the way we think about sustainability and human design. Christa's optimistic outlook on healing—both personally, having survived cancer, and globally, through climate action—offers a refreshing perspective on the collective responsibility we all share for our planet's future. Join us as we explore her insights on the need for kindness in urban settings, the urgency of transitioning to clean energy, and her inspiring plans for fostering environmental restoration and community engagement.
00:00 Author, speaker, biomimicry enthusiast, product developer.
04:20 Dedicated New Yorker with kind, soft exterior.
08:02 Limited TV growing up, spent time outside.
12:38 Species migrating north due to climate change.
15:48 Solutions exist beyond big oil's influence.
19:43 Contact officials, not social media, for change.
21:27 Participating in democracy and environmental actions matters.
26:14 Individuals can significantly impact biodiversity and sustainability.
29:22 Utilize existing infrastructure for luxury electric buses.
33:14 Focus shifted from science to lifestyle impact.
37:21 ESG reporting is voluntary, often superficial.
38:34 Weekly climate actions shared via online platforms.
43:45 Cancer survivor finds joy, anticipates environmental lawsuit.
48:04 Art inspires hope; Berkeley explores cleaner energy.
49:40 Visit Art Heals All Wound's website to contribute or communicate.
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The Invisible Mammal: Bats, Conservation, and Human Health with Kristin Tièche
Welcome to another episode of "Art Heals All Wounds," where we explore the powerful impact of art on the world and highlight artists creating positive change. In today's episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Kristin Tièche to delve into the fascinating world of bats and their ecological significance.
**Key Episode Highlights:**
- **Bats: Unsung Heroes of the Ecosystem:**
Discover how bats provide vital ecosystem services such as pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal. Learn about their significant economic impact on agriculture, helping farmers like Mike DeWitt reduce pesticide use and save money.
- **Threats to Bats and Conservation Efforts:**
Understand the threats bats face from habitat loss and white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease affecting North American bat populations. Explore how organizations like the Yolo Basin Foundation are working to raise awareness and protect bat habitats.
- **Human Interaction and Misconceptions:**
Bats may be closer than you think! Discover the importance of bat houses for providing safe habitats and why wildlife rescue should be contacted if you encounter a bat in need.
- **Insights Into Bat Filmmaking:**
Join guest Kristin Tièche as she shares her journey into creating the documentary "The Invisible Mammal," which focuses on bat conservation and the role of women in science. Learn how her storytelling aims to change perceptions and inspire action for bat conservation.
- **One Health and Human Responsibility:**
Delve into the concept of "One Health," which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, wildlife, and environmental health. Hear why protecting wildlife habitats is crucial for preventing pandemics and learn about the human accountability in events like COVID-19.
- **Engagement and Support:**
Stay updated on "The Invisible Mammal" documentary by following on Instagram and Facebook (@theinvisiblemammal) or visiting the website theinvisiblemammal.com. Support the film's completion through donations to the Wildlands Collective.
Join us in this episode to learn more about the incredible impact bats have on our world and how we can contribute to their conservation. Be inspired by the art of film and storytelling as a force for change and awareness.
**Contributions and Support:**
If you enjoy the podcast, consider sharing your own stories related to art and creativity on our website. Support "Art Heals All Wounds" by contributing via our "buy me a coffee" link. Thank you for being a part of our community!
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From Commodity to Community: Rethinking Water Use with Jimmy Ramirez
In this episode of *Art Heals All Wounds*, I sit down with Jimmy Ramirez, an artist and high school teacher from Oakley, California. We talk about Jimmy’s film Above Ground, which delves into the ways that streams and creeks in Oakland have been ‘entombed’ in culverts in Oakland, California. We also discuss re-imagining our relationship to water.
**Key Topics Discussed:**
1. **Discovery of Hidden Waterways**:
- My personal experience of discovering the hidden Providence River during my college years in Providence, Rhode Island, drawing a parallel to the hidden creeks of Oakland.
2. **Jimmy's Film "Above Ground"**:
- The film explores how Oakland has buried many of its natural waterways under concrete, a practice known as "entombing." This impacts local ecosystems previously supporting species like salmon and trout.
3. **Personal Connection to Peralta Creek**:
- Jimmy discusses his family's history with Peralta Creek in Fruitvale, Oakland, emphasizing how urban development has drastically altered the waterway.
4. **Impact of Water Management Practices**:
- Water management practices designed to prevent flooding have dried out natural water bodies despite heavy rainfalls, disrupting ecological balance.
5. **Historical Decisions and Urban Planning**:
- The conversation addresses the historical decisions to bury natural waterways and how early urban planning overlooked long-term environmental impacts.
6. **Environmental and Mental Health Implications**:
- We discuss the concept of "slow violence" where the lack of natural elements in urban areas contributes to mental health issues and community stress.
7. **Neighborhood Disparities**:
- Disparities between wealthier neighborhoods with more greenery and lower-income areas in Oakland are highlighted, showing the uneven distribution of environmental resources.
8. **Community Initiatives and Successes**:
- Some residents have successfully removed culverts to restore natural water flow, though legal ambiguities persist.
9. **Government and Political Dynamics**:
- Oakland officials have shown interest in Jimmy’s film to raise awareness about these environmental issues, and the conversation touches on the politicized nature of water management in California.
10. **Reimagining Water Use**:
- Jimmy advocates for a collectivist approach to water systems, inspired by indigenous wisdom, contrasting America's individualistic mindset.
11. **Challenges and Resistance**:
- Addressing restrictive regulations around rainwater collection and gray water reuse, and how contractors are now more conscious about concreting over backyards.
12. **Future Projects and Art's Role**:
- Jimmy discusses future projects and the significance of art in processing climate grief and inspiring change. He also expresses gratitude for support from the California Arts Council.
**Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement:**
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Kathak for the Planet: Celine Schein Das on Invoking the River
In this episode of Art Heals All Wounds, I talk with Celine Shein Das, Executive Director of the Chitresh Das Institute. We talk about the transformative power of art through the lens of the Kathak dance performance 'Invoking the River,' a multimedia production that draws attention to climate change and the human relationship with water. Celine shares insights on the origins and evolution of Kathak dance, the profound storytelling it enables, and the collaborative efforts behind this performance. The episode also highlights the institute's commitment to art for the planet and the impact of the performance of Invoking the River, both in the United States and India. Celine encourages us all to explore our relationships with art and the planet while reflecting on the powerful messages conveyed through this unique performance.
00:00 Introduction: Can Art Change the World?
01:57 Meet Celine Shein Das and Chitresh Das Dance
02:40 Exploring Kathak Dance and 'Invoking the River'
05:36 The Artistic Vision Behind 'Invoking the River'
10:10 The Legacy of Pandit Chitresh Das
33:08 Impact and Reception of 'Invoking the River'
45:35 Future Performances and Final Thoughts
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We Loved It All: Lydia Millet on Loss, Connection and Telling Good Stories
In this episode of 'Art Heals All Wounds,' I have the pleasure of speaking with the author, Lydia Millet. Lydia’s latest book 'We Loved It All: A Memory of Life' explores themes of interconnectedness, extinction, and climate change. She shares insights into her writing process and the challenges of addressing such monumental issues through storytelling. The conversation also delves into the cultural narratives that have led to environmental degradation and the potential of new, inclusive stories that could inspire change. Lydia’s work is a reminder of the importance of love and protection for all beings as essential components in the fight against mass extinction and climate catastrophe.
00:00 Introduction to Art Heals All Wounds
00:44 The Extinction Crisis
02:16 Interview with Lydia Millet
05:15 Lydia Millet on Writing and Climate Change
11:56 The Role of Stories in Shaping Our World
30:01 The Importance of Love and Protection
35:02 Conclusion and Call to Action
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Creating New Narratives for Climate and the Environment
In this episode of Art Heals All Wounds, I’m thinking about the transformative power of storytelling. The stories that we tell ourselves shape our actions and decisions. One of the most powerful ways we can move forward is recognizing when a story no longer serves us. The artists in this season are creating new narratives to combat climate change and protect the environment, helping us move from despair to action.
If you’re an artist creating work about climate and the environment, please get in touch through my website. I’d love to share your work on the show!
00:00 Introduction: Can Art Change the World?
00:47 Personal Stories and Their Impact
01:36 A Childhood Memory at the Refinery
03:22 The Reality of Global Warming
03:57 Artists Telling Better Stories
04:29 Get Involved and Share Your Story
05:04 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview
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