Drowned in Sound A Goth Walked Into Nature To Make a Radio Show. A Zine Walked Out.
A conversation about Fresh Hell, subcultures in nature, and shifting the climate narrative through creativity.
In this episode of the podcast that maps what music will be like in 2050 by meeting cultural changemakers and pioneers, Sean Adams explores how the Fresh Hell zine - a collaboration between creatives from the agency Iris and Purpose Disruptors (download it here) - reframes our relationship with nature through goth culture, beauty, and imagination.
Featuring clips from Freya Beer’s special Gothic Disco radio broadcast recorded at Walthamstow Wetlands (listen to it on Mixcloud here), featuring reflections from Lira Valencia and Chris Packham, which inspired the zine, we explore what happens when goth culture meets the natural world.
This conversation with Purpose Disruptors who run the Agency for Nature & the creators of Fresh Hell zine, examines how creativity can help us move from awe of the natural world to cultural transformation—and what musicians, media, and fans can do to help shift the climate crisis narrative.
Aimee Brewerton – Comms & Engagement Manager at Purpose Disruptors, working across climate-focused storytelling, brand strategy, and cultural transformation.
Nicole Vanner – Designer at Iris, co-creator of Fresh Hell, blending gothic subculture with natural aesthetics in visual communication.
Andrew Hadley – Copywriter at Iris, co-author of Fresh Hell, exploring language that rewilds desire and reframes our connection to nature.
Purpose Disruptors – A UK-based network of 5,000+ creative professionals transforming the advertising industry to align with climate goals and societal well-being.
Iris – A global creative agency known for working with progressive brands and championing purpose-driven campaigns.
Agency for Nature – A project platform by Purpose Disruptors that reimagines communications through a regenerative, nature-first lens — including campaigns like Fresh Hell.
Episode Summary & Timestamps:
- 00:00 Introduction: Can Music Change the Climate Conversation?
- 00:31 Exploring the Goths in Nature Project
- 01:23 Meeting the Change Makers
- 04:20 Chris Packham's Punk and Nature Connection
- 06:52 The Future of Our Planet in 2050
- 11:27 Purpose Disruptors: Changing the Advertising Narrative
- 14:17 Creating the Goths in Nature Magazine
- 25:09 The Role of Nature in Mental Health
- 30:01 Spotting the Moor Hen
- 30:52 Goth Music and Personal Favorites
- 31:20 From Radio Show to Zine
- 32:44 Chris Packham's Contribution
- 35:04 Celebrating Nature and Subculture
- 38:49 Nature as a Client
- 40:00 Collaborative Efforts and Creative Freedom
- 48:01 Impact and Mindset Shift
- 58:39 Future Hopes and Accountability
- 01:08:32 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Featured Links & Resources:
- Fresh Hell Zine
- Purpose Disruptors
- Freya Beer’s Gothic Disco
- Lira Valencia (Instagram)
- Bird Nerdeem (Instagram)
- Freya Beer (Instagram)
- Agency for Nature
- Walthamstow Wetlands
- Lawyers for Nature
- Earth Percent
- Creatives for Climate
- Good Life 2030 short film
Songs Mentioned:
- Something to Remember Me By – The Horrors
- This Corrosion – Sisters of Mercy
- Soundtrack to previous episodes by Sound Mirror now available on Bandcamp
Join the Conversation:
Upgrade to support my work: