The Nature Of with Willow Defebaugh

In this episode, we explore the nature of food as a profound act of care—with the power to transform not only our health and the planet, but the very systems we live within. Maggie Baird, longtime activist, founder of Support + Feed, and mother of artists Billie Eilish and Finneas, joins Willow for a conversation rooted in compassion for humans, animals, and the Earth. From her early awakening to animal welfare to her family’s shared commitment to cultural and climate transformation, Maggie shares how plant-based food offers a hopeful path forward. Willow and Maggie discuss the myths that persist around veganism, the spiritual cost of industrial agriculture, and how joy and justice can help flavor the way we eat—for good.For more about Maggie Bair and Support + Feed: https://supportandfeed.org/about-us/To see a transcript of this episode: https://atmos.earth/podcast/maggie-baird-on-the-nature-of-food-as-an-act-of-compassion/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Steph Speirs, co-founder of Solstice and board member of the Sierra Club Foundation, challenges traditional notions of wealth. She argues for a shift towards defining wealth by sustainability and community well-being rather than mere accumulation. They explore how the clean energy transition can empower communities, especially in disadvantaged areas, and emphasize the importance of collective action and local initiatives. The conversation inspires listeners to consider how we can all contribute to a thriving future for both people and ecosystems.

adrienne maree brown, a writer and activist celebrated for her works like Pleasure Activism, joins the conversation to explore the alchemy of transformation. She shares her belief that small, intentional acts wield immense power for collective change. The discussion highlights transformative justice rooted in care, the importance of nurturing community, and embracing mistakes as pathways to growth. Delving into life and death, adrienne encourages viewing mortality as a transformative journey, urging each listener to step into their power as co-creators of a more just future.

Janine Benyus, a biologist and the co-founder of the Biomimicry Institute, shares her transformative vision of design inspired by nature. She passionately discusses how ecosystems can guide sustainable solutions, from resource management in forests to fish aerodynamics. Janine emphasizes the need for humanity to harmonize with nature, exploring concepts like biodiversity and mutuality. She urges listeners to mindfully integrate biomimicry into their daily decisions, revealing that nature already holds the answers to many of our challenges.

In nature, solutions are everywhere—coral reefs regenerate, forests heal, and ecosystems self-balance when given the chance. So, how can we apply that same wisdom to the climate crisis? Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biologist, policy expert, a Roux Distinguished Scholar at Bowdoin College, and co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, joins Willow for an illuminating conversation about climate optimism, systemic change, and the power of solutions-driven storytelling. As the creator of the What If We Get It Right? book and podcast, Ayana offers a compelling vision of what’s possible when we shift our focus from catastrophe to collective action. Listen as they discuss the importance of local, community-based efforts, why imagination is critical in climate work, and the role we can each play in shaping a different future.For more about Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson's work: https://www.ayanaelizabeth.com/To see a transcript of this episode: https://atmos.earth/podcast/dr-ayana-elizabeth-johnson-on-the-nature-of-climate-progress-and-solutions/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Coming Soon...A New Podcast From Atmos Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.