Salient Podcasts: Episodes for Existential Dread
Talking about the climate crisis can be really overwhelming. We’re the generation everyone expects to fix things, but the issues just seem too big, complex, and interconnected. Where do we even start?
The first step is communication. There is an essential need for conversations about the climate, its changes, the crises, what it will take to set our planet on the right path, and how we can play a part in supporting ourselves in a climate-altered future.
This week at Salient Podcasts, we’re bringing you the episodes from across our shows that talk about our climate crisis solutions, where our politicians are failing us, and the specific gaps in our current approach. So listen in, and remember that the change we need is possible! We may not be able to get back what we’ve lost, but we can adjust. If we embrace the changes in our world and prioritise caring for the planet.
How to Lose A Girl in 10 Days—‘Hot ‘n Cold’
Politicians talk the talk, but never walk the walk when it comes to climate change. They're super vague and say they will ‘better climate change policy’ without ever telling you what that even means. They want to be 'down with the youth' without putting in real effort. They also ^love to let farmers sweep their carbon emissions under the rug so they'll keep donating lots of money to their political campaigns. In this episode, co-hosts Hollie and Xandi talk to you about what climate change policy already exists, debunk all the myths, and cut all the shit that parties talk smack about. In this episode, you’ll learn what each party wants and get familiar with the basics of Climate X Government.
Rock Dog—‘Narratives of Ecology w/ Margo Montes de Oca’
Host Tharushi is joined by guest Margo, a fellow interdisciplinary traveller existing between the science and arts spaces. The two talk about narratives, and how different forms can mediate or express ecological concepts. This episode covers the need for interdisciplinary thinking, how art can support science to create solutions that address climate catastrophe, and how ecology as a discipline provides evidence of human-nonhuman interdependencies.
Stranger at Home—‘100% Pure NZ?’
To investigate the image of Aotearoa as an environmental haven, host Alex brings on his friend Michael to discuss conservation efforts across the country. Tourism marketing often brands Aotearoa as 100% Pure, depicting sweeping landscapes and images of flourishing wildlife. However, as Michael and Alex discuss, the effort to curate an eco-friendly image often leaves gaps and isn’t the full picture. The two discuss what work is needed here, alongside what makes the local ecosystems special to them.
Zeitgeist—‘Glass half full?’
Co-hosts Kate and Jess bring on Jesse Richardson, a local youth activist and campaigner, to chat about the mountain of issues facing younger generations. They talk about engagement, youth politics within the political landscape, the urgency of climate policy, and hating Jeff Bezos. Additionally, they talk about radical optimism: having hopes and dreams for the climate-altered future. Jesse shares his faith in humanity's ability to change our path and fight for the future.
Find all these episodes and more on the Salient Podcasts Weekly Playlist, and follow to get your weekly fill of student podcasts!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2PdCAx7KPS90YIxcSyY9wb?si=5e2dc7a7ed5f4e7d