Terry Tempest Williams' "Erosion" is a profound exploration of the interconnectedness between environmental degradation and social justice. Williams masterfully weaves together personal narratives with scientific insights, revealing the devastating impact of human activities on the natural world. The book delves into the complex relationship between humans and nature, highlighting the urgent need for environmental protection and social responsibility. Williams' evocative prose paints a vivid picture of the American West, showcasing its beauty and fragility. "Erosion" is a powerful call to action, urging readers to confront the environmental challenges facing our planet and to work towards a more sustainable future.
Jane Goodall's "Seeds of Hope" is an inspirational book that highlights the power of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity, drawing parallels between the resilience of nature and the human spirit.
Richard Christiansen believes that the true definition of luxury is having one’s senses on full blast—seeing, tasting, smelling, hearing, and touching the world around by engaging in its beauty and bounty to the fullest. This idea is at the heart of his company, the garden-pleasure apothecary Flamingo Estate, which is both a place—a home and garden on a seven-acre property in the hills of Los Angeles—and a brand, which operates a global farming collective and sells wellness, beauty, and “home essentials” products. In just a few years, Flamingo Estate has collaborated with cultural figures such as Julianne Moore, Martha Stewart, and Ai Weiwei, and created some 200 or so products, from C.S.A.-style farm boxes and flower arrangements, to scented candles and a rosé wine, to body washes and chocolates. Capturing the spirit of all this is a new book, Flamingo Estate: The Guide to Becoming Alive, which tells the story of his company’s rapid rise and includes interviews with the likes of Jane Fonda, John Legend, and Alice Waters.
On the episode, Christiansen talks about his lifelong connection with beekeeping and honey; why more brands should embrace “radical inconsistency” in their products; and how reading a book by Jane Goodall, and later befriending the anthropologist and conservationist, changed the course of his life.
Special thanks to our Season 10 presenting sponsor, L’École, School of Jewelry Arts.
Show notes:
Richard Christiansen
[4:24] Flamingo Estate
[8:05] Flamingo Estate: The Guide to Becoming Alive
[46:21] Jane Goodall
[12:48] Alice Waters
[15:06] Harvey
[35:35] Chandelier Creative
[45:51] Benetton
[45:51] Colors
[50:35] Rumiko Murata
[52:35] Owl Bureau
[58:28] “The Summer Day”
Time Sensitive 