Lifeworlds

Willem Ferwerda, a Dutch ecologist and founder of Commonland, discusses the urgent need for holistic landscape restoration. He explains the alarming degradation of Earth’s land and its impact on biodiversity and communities. The conversation covers the innovative 4 Returns Framework, emphasizing ecological, social, financial, and spiritual returns. Ferwerda shares insights on how storytelling and rituals can restore meaning, heal communities, and inspire collective action for the planet's regeneration.

What if the next shift in planetary consciousness didn’t come from looking back at Earth from space, but from listening deeply to the voices already here? In this thought piece I propose the “inworlding effect” as the overview effect of our time: one where developments in science, technology, law, and many other disciplines are revealing our entangled presence within a multispecies world.Medium Article LinkEpisode Website Link Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful discussion, artist and communal grief ritual facilitator Alexandra “ahlay” Blakey delves into the often-overlooked importance of communal mourning. She highlights the revival of grief ceremonies as essential for healing, describing how music and ritual can transform sorrow into connection. Ahlay also shares her experience creating the collective album 'WAILS: Songs for Grief,' inspired by whales and ancestral sorrow. Through her reflections, listeners are invited to rethink societal attitudes towards grief and embrace love as a vital part of the healing process.

In this episode we’re joined by the renowned environmentalist, activist and author Paul Hawken to explore the lifeworld of carbon and its role as a vital agent in the story of life.Paul speaks about the dysfunctions in Western language on how we speak about climate and nature, and why metaphors of war, control, and fixing actually perpetuate the very mindset that created the crises in the first place. We explore common traps we fall into, and how to recarbonize, to bring life back and restore relationality in how we think, feel, and act.This is a wide-ranging and intimate conversation on language, grief, science, reverence, and what it means to come home to Earth and to the deeper meanings of life.Episode Website LinkShow Links:Carbon, the Book of life (Paul’s book)Drawdown (Website & Paul’s book)Regeneration (website resources with projects)Regeneration (Paul’s book)Francis Weller Course on griefClosing Poem: Love in a Time of Climate Change By Craig Santos PerezLook out for meditations, poems, readings, and other snippets of inspiration in between episodes.Music: Electric Ethnicity by Igor Dvorkin, Duncan Pittock & Ellie Kidd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the mesmerizing world of whale songs and ancient Māori traditions with Whaia, a brilliant sonic weaver. Explore the powerful intersection of voice, music, and oceanic heritage, revealing how whales communicate through unique melodies. Discover the importance of reclaiming cultural instruments and the profound healing potential of sound. Join us as we reflect on the sacred connection between humanity and nature, and ponder what messages the whales might share with us today.

A writer reflects on a transformative stay in a remote Vancouver Island cabin, surrounded by nature's beauty. They explore how poetry intertwines with the environment, sharing moments of swimming with jellyfish and foraging for salmon berries. The discussion culminates in an evocative piece that emphasizes how the world communicates through the language of poetry, highlighting our deep connection to the natural landscape.

Dr. Mackenzie Hall, a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Functional Medicine, shares fascinating insights on the deep connections between human health and planetary systems. She discusses how the Earth’s vital organs can mirror our anatomy and how our bodies manage health like ecological systems. The conversation explores the importance of detoxification, the resonance of Earth's frequencies, and the link between mental wellness and mindful eating. Hall emphasizes that to heal the planet, we must first understand it as an extension of ourselves.

David McConville, co-founder and lead cosmographer of Spherical, explores the interplay between technology and our understanding of Earth. He discusses the concept of 'living infrastructure' through Los Angeles as a case study, emphasizing community collaboration in mapping and sustainable practices. The conversation delves into how worldviews shape environmental challenges, water management, and the importance of imagination in comprehending ecosystems. McConville advocates for engaging communities to create resilient systems that honor local cultures and ecological needs.

Dive into fascinating reflections on nature-based governance that treats rivers as living entities. The discussion tackles the controversial concept of de-extinction, raising questions about ethics and ecological balance. Explore the complexity of climate responsibility and the often-overlooked costs of renewable technologies. Learn actionable steps for improving ecological health while reconnecting with nature and community. This thought-provoking conversation ultimately underscores the transformative potential of human consciousness in fostering a more sustainable world.

Anab Jain, co-founder of Superflux, a visionary design studio focused on ecological challenges, takes listeners on a journey through speculative design. She explores how imagination can redefine our relationship with nature and promote interspecies thriving. Jain discusses transformative concepts like multispecies banquets and rewilding urban spaces. By emphasizing emotional connections and responsible narratives, she highlights the role of design in fostering ecological awareness and hope amidst global challenges.