Drilled

In this episode, Alex Ip, founder and editor of The Xylom, reveals the dramatic transformation of Ingleside on the Bay, Texas, from a quiet community to a booming oil export hub. He discusses how residents went from indifference to activism as they faced environmental hazards and health crises from nearby oil facilities. The podcast delves into their struggles for accountability, the impact of data loss on environmental awareness, and the vital role of journalism in advocating for better regulation and community safety.

Dive into a gripping tale of an Indigenous nation battling for water rights amid corporate interests. Explore the legal ramifications of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests and the struggles against powerful industries. Discover how an international environmental movement is carving out its voice, all while examining the delicate balance between corporate power and grassroots activism. Each story threads together the urgent need for justice and protection of our planet.

Malcolm Harris, journalist and author of "What's Left: Three Paths Through the Planetary Crisis," joins to delve into the urgent complexities of the climate crisis. He advocates for addressing issues at scale, emphasizing community resilience and collective action. Harris critiques the interplay between class dynamics and climate change, proposing that solutions must tackle systemic inequalities. Engaging in a candid dialogue, he explores the importance of realistic optimism and the potential for grassroots movements to inspire significant change.

Kathy Mulvey, the Accountability campaign director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, discusses groundbreaking evidence illustrating the fossil fuel industry's long-standing knowledge of their products' impact on climate change. She reveals updates on climate liability cases in the U.S., comparing the industry's deception tactics to those of the tobacco sector. The conversation also uncovers a hacking scheme targeting environmental advocates and emphasizes the urgent need for corporate accountability, amidst troubling surveillance of activists.

Wendell Bulingot, Chairperson of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance and indigenous Igorot activist, shares his harrowing experiences with state oppression and being labeled a terrorist for defending ancestral lands. Joined by Jason Lamcheck, a research fellow focusing on human rights, they discuss the alarming trend of criminalizing environmental protests post-9/11. The duo explores how U.S. imperialism and counterterrorism policies have merged, endangering activists globally. Their candid insights highlight the resilience of those fighting for environmental justice amid relentless repression.

Introducing…our first podcast crossover season! Later this year we’ll be bringing you a season in collaboration with the podcast Non-Toxic, hosted by journalist and culture critic Daniel Penny, about the intersection between masculinity and climate. In this episode we introduce Daniel and his work, and talk a bit about what you can expect from this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michelle Amazeen, a Boston University researcher specializing in persuasion and misinformation, sheds light on the troubling world of advertorials created for oil companies. She discusses the deceptive nature of sponsored content and its impact on public perception, especially on social media. Amazeen highlights the necessity for better labeling and transparency to combat misinformation. Drawing on her recent research, she reveals how audiences, particularly younger ones, struggle to distinguish between authentic news and misleading advertising, advocating for improved media literacy.

Discover the unsettling truth about PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' and their impact on health and the environment. Explore the origins of Teflon and its dual use during wartime and in everyday life. Personal stories reveal the harsh realities faced by those affected by PFAS contamination. This deep dive highlights both historical context and contemporary relevance, emphasizing the urgent public health challenges these chemicals present.

Jasper Tulling, a strategic advisor at the Climate Litigation Network, and Noah Walker Crawford, a research fellow focused on climate change at the London School of Economics, delve into a significant Dutch court ruling about Shell's emissions. They discuss how the decision affirmed Shell's legal obligation to reduce global emissions, despite media portrayals of a win. The conversation highlights the complexities of corporate accountability and critiques reliance on unproven climate technologies, advocating for immediate action over future solutions.

David Sirota, a former speechwriter for Bernie Sanders and Oscar-nominated co-writer of Don't Look Up, dives into America's political corruption. He reveals how a 50-year plot turned democracy into kleptocracy, enabling the elite to influence policies that serve their interests. Sirota connects historical events like Watergate and Nixon's manipulations with modern Supreme Court scandals. From campaign finance scandals to the surprising connection between milk and political funding, he highlights the alarming intersection of wealth and power in shaping policies.