Tree Planters: A podcast about change for a better world

Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition
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We live in a world running out of space, resources, and time. There are solutions. We can build a better world - a world that is fair, healthy, and prosperous. But this requires transformative change. Why Tree Planters Podcast you ask? Well, there's a great proverb that goes as follows:“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”We feel there's a scarcity of tree planters in positions of power these days. Each month we look at problems and solutions relating to how we live in modern society, including those of sprawl and associated consumption patterns and behaviour, climate change, habitat degradation and species loss, community development and empowerment, knowledge of and connection to place, leadership and accountable governance, among others.We welcome you to join us on our journey. Please don't hesitate to connect with us if you have suggestions or questions.

  1. 4D AGO

    What's Happening with the Greenbelt Review?

    What's happening with the impending review of the Greenbelt?  The Greenbelt Act requires the province to conduct a review of the Greenbelt plan every 10 years. The last one was in 2015, so, while nothing has been announced yet, it is expected that the province will conduct a review in the coming months. Show links: The Tyee: Robert Macfarlane’s New Book Asks, ‘Is a River Alive?’ Canoing across Canada (Instagram): Tom Hudson Support the show

    1h 3m

  2. AUG 26

    15-Minute Cities — Ray Tomalty

    Ray Tomalty is an expert in urban sustainability and the founder of Smart Cities Research Services. He’s worked with cities across Canada and beyond to help design communities that are more livable, walkable, and resilient. In this episode, Ray helps us unpack the idea of the 15-minute city—where it’s working, what it really means, and why some of the controversy around it misses the mark. Support the show

    1h 23m

  3. AUG 19

    What's Happening with Wasaga Beach? — Ted Crysler

    We talk with Ted about the province's proposed transfer of a portion of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to the town.  Ted is a resident of Wasaga Beach and member of the Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team. Support the show

    1h 3m
  4. A Life in Politics, from Community Organizing to the Premier's Office — Kathleen Wynne

    AUG 12

    A Life in Politics, from Community Organizing to the Premier's Office — Kathleen Wynne

    The Honourable Kathleen Wynne is a Canadian educator, community organizer, and former politician best known as Ontario’s 25th Premier—the first woman and openly gay person to hold the office. Long before entering electoral politics, Wynne was deeply engaged in grassroots organizing in her North Toronto community. She advocated for public education, equitable urban planning, and inclusive policy through school councils, neighbourhood associations, and parent advocacy groups. Notably, she helped co-found the Metro Parent Network, which mobilized parents to resist education funding cuts in the 1990s. Wynne’s early activism translated into a political career grounded in community values. First elected as MPP for Don Valley West in 2003, she went on to serve in several cabinet roles before becoming Premier in 2013. Throughout her tenure and beyond, Wynne has remained committed to social justice, equity, and civic engagement—mentoring young leaders, teaching, and continuing to advocate for affordable housing, education, and democratic reform. Her trajectory reflects a lifelong dedication to organizing from the ground up. Links: The Protocol Podcast: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/02/podcasts/trans-gender-care-protocol.html  Would I Lie To You?: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007r3n8 Seeking Social Democracy: https://broadbentinstitute.ca/events/seeking-social-democracy-book-launch/ Support the show

    1h 2m

  5. JUL 29

    Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories — Dr. Alison Meek

    Dr. Alison Meek is a history professor at King’s University College at Western University, where she studies conspiracy theories, cults, extremism and misinformation.  Alison brings an engaging and thoughtful perspective to how beliefs take root and spread, and what they can tell us about society today. Support the show

    1 hr

  6. JUL 22

    Farming, Youth, and the Future — Jacob Keary Moreland

    Jacob is a farmer, and advocate for farming as a means to increase economic and environmental resilience in local communities. We talk about some ideas for how this can happen, and how young people can be supported in contributing to their communities through sustainable agricultural practices. Learn more about the National Farmers Foundation here. Support the show

    1h 13m
  7. The Mailbag Edition - Adam, Margaret, and Amrit.

    JUL 8

    The Mailbag Edition - Adam, Margaret, and Amrit.

    Once a month we do a mailbag episode, where each of us, along with a guest, shares an issue for discussion. We don't know about each other's issue until they present it during the podcast, keeping it lively and interesting! Have an issue that you'd like us to address? Let us know, and if it's selected, we'll invite you on the show! Support the show

    1h 8m
  8. Looking Back at a Career in Environmental Activism — Claire Malcolmson

    JUN 17

    Looking Back at a Career in Environmental Activism — Claire Malcolmson

    Claire is stepping down as Executive Director of the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition, and we chat about her experience at the forefront of grassroots environmental advocacy in central Ontario, including how the landscape has changed and what the future might hold. Support the show

    1h 4m
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About

We live in a world running out of space, resources, and time. There are solutions. We can build a better world - a world that is fair, healthy, and prosperous. But this requires transformative change. Why Tree Planters Podcast you ask? Well, there's a great proverb that goes as follows:“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”We feel there's a scarcity of tree planters in positions of power these days. Each month we look at problems and solutions relating to how we live in modern society, including those of sprawl and associated consumption patterns and behaviour, climate change, habitat degradation and species loss, community development and empowerment, knowledge of and connection to place, leadership and accountable governance, among others.We welcome you to join us on our journey. Please don't hesitate to connect with us if you have suggestions or questions.

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