Tom Colicchio, Ted Turner's Conservation Lands, Angela Merkel
Dec 1, 2024
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Tom Colicchio, celebrated chef and restaurateur known from Top Chef, shares his journey in the culinary world and the importance of community through cooking. Ted Turner, media mogul and conservationist, discusses his private nature preserves that aim to restore ecosystems and the balance between conservation and eco-tourism. Angela Merkel, former Chancellor of Germany, reflects on her leadership and the evolving political landscape. Meanwhile, Selena Gomez touches on her experiences in entertainment and advocacy for mental health.
Ted Turner's commitment to conservation and wildlife restoration exemplifies how private landownership can effectively support biodiversity and ecological health.
Selena Gomez reflects on her journey from child star to multifaceted artist, showcasing resilience and versatility in her evolving career.
Angela Merkel discusses her experiences in global leadership, emphasizing the importance of historical context in navigating modern geopolitical challenges.
Deep dives
Ted Turner's Conservation Legacy
Ted Turner, a billionaire and one of the largest private landowners in the U.S., has dedicated substantial efforts to land conservation and wildlife restoration. He owns around two million acres across various states, where he has reintroduced native species, including bison, desert bighorn sheep, and the Mexican wolf, to help restore the ecosystem. At the age of 80, facing health challenges like Lewy body dementia, Turner has intensified his commitment to protect and manage his lands, believing that humanity can create a 'heaven on earth.' His vision highlights the intersection of conservation and personal legacy, as he aims to preserve these natural landscapes for future generations.
Experiencing Nature at Ted Turner's Reserves
Turner has opened his private lands to the public to foster a deeper connection with nature, introducing the concept of 'conservation capitalism.' Guests can experience outdoor activities in a delicate ecosystem resembling a private national park, with limited accommodations to minimize environmental impact. Locations like the 550,000-acre Vermejo ranch not only provide recreational opportunities but also serve as sanctuaries for species such as the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, which Turner successfully reintroduced. This initiative exemplifies how tourism can financially support conservation efforts while educating visitors about the importance of maintaining biodiversity.
Selena Gomez's Journey to Success
Selena Gomez reflects on her tumultuous yet rewarding journey from a child star to a multi-talented artist and business mogul. Growing up in a family with financial struggles, she credits her mother for teaching her the value of hard work. Gomez's career began with notable roles on 'Barney and Friends' and the Disney Channel, leading her into music, television, and even cooking shows during the pandemic. Her current projects, including her role in the film 'Emilia Perez,' showcase her versatility and willingness to embrace risks, further establishing her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Angela Merkel's Political Reflections
Angela Merkel, once the most powerful woman in the world as Chancellor of Germany, shares her reflections on leadership and the geopolitical landscape since stepping down. Her new book details her experiences, from the challenges of navigating relationships with world leaders like Donald Trump to her controversial decisions on immigration and energy dependence on Russia. Merkel expresses concern over rising global tensions and the complexities of multilateral diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of understanding both historical context and current dynamics. Despite her influential past, she remains cautious about giving advice, preferring to provide insights based on her extensive experience in politics.
The Legacy of Emmett Till
The story of Emmett Till, a young Black teenager murdered in 1955, continues to resonate as a focal point in discussions of racism and justice in America. His death acted as a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement, yet many local landmarks that signify this pivotal moment are overlooked or forgotten today. Discussions in the podcast highlight the need for awareness and education about Till's case, addressing the historical amnesia surrounding racial violence in the U.S. Efforts to preserve the memory of Till and educate future generations emphasize the ongoing struggle against erasure and the importance of acknowledging painful truths in American history.
Hosted by Jane Pauley. In our cover story, Lee Cowan visits Ted Turner’s private nature preserves, some of which are being opened to the public. Also: Mark Phillips interviews former German Chancellor Angela Merkel about her new memoir; Tony Dokoupil goes into the kitchen with chef Tom Colicchio; and Jim Axelrod talks with author Wright Thompson, whose book, “The Barn,” explores the 1955 murder of Emmett Till.
