People over Plastic

People over Plastic
  • 4.8 (23)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Biweekly

People over Plastic (PoP) was the first podcast from Counterstream Media. Launched and Hosted by Shilpi Chhotray, the show ran for five impactful seasons from 2021-2024.  PoP brought together activists, change-makers, organizers, and innovators for raw, unfiltered conversations about climate and environmental justice and was produced by a talented group of producers and creatives of color.  Though PoP is no longer running, its impact remains: the show was ranked in Spotify’s Top 10 Podcasts for Society & Culture, one of the Top 100 New Orleans Podcasts, shortlisted by the International Womens Podcasting Awards, and listened to in 58 countries. Our new show:  "A People's Climate" hosted by Shilpi Chhotray is currently running and available wherever you get your podcasts.  Learn more at apeoplesclimate.org

  1. Trailer

    Trailer - Season 2 of A People's Climate

    A People’s Climate is back for Season 2!  Host Shilpi Chhotray takes you inside the fight for climate and environmental justice with organizers, legal experts, filmmakers, and movement leaders challenging the corporate and political forces blocking real change — from Big Oil and militarism to over-policing and the Supreme Court.  This is essential listening for anyone serious about building a mass climate movement. New episodes every Saturday starting Oct 3, 2026. Listen wherever you get your podcasts and learn more at: apeoplesclimate.org Guests this season include: LaTricea Adams - Founder and CEO of Young, Gifted & GreenBrea Baker - Writer, Activist and Author of ROOTED: The American Legacy of Land Theft & The Modern Movement for Black Land OwnershipDr. Hatem Bazian - Decolonial scholar, professor at UC Berkeley, author, and activistJohn Beard Jr. - Founder and CEO of the Port Arthur Community Action NetworkNalleli Cobo - Environmental Activist and Co-Founder of South Central Youth Leadership CoalitionKamau Franklin - Founder of Community Movement BuildersU.S. Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost - Florida’s 10th Congressional DistrictAbby Martin - Investigative journalist, Director of Earth’s Greatest Enemy, and founder of The Empire FilesElie Mystal - Justice Correspondent for The NationSean Sherman - Chef and Founder of Indígena by Owamni and North American Traditional Indigenous Food SystemsAnd more to be announced. Credits Presented by Counterstream Media and The Nation Powered by Wildseeds Fund Host: Shilpi Chhotray Executive Producer: Mindy Ramaker Engineer: Dennis Maxwell Project Manager: Asia Simms

    Trailer - Season 2 of A People's Climate

  2. Apr 14

    We're nominated for a Webby Award!

    🗳️VOTE FOR A PEOPLE’S CLIMATE HERE 🗳️ https://wbby.co/57463N Be sure to confirm your vote via email for it to count. A People’s Climate is a top 5 Webby nominee (out of 13K+ entries) in the Sustainability & Environment category. And it’s an extremely tight race for the People’s Voice Award — which is decided entirely by public vote.  We’re currently in 2nd place by just 1% point, so every vote counts! If you support independent media and care about the climate, please cast a vote for A People’s Climate. It takes less than 30 seconds. Voting closes at midnight PDT on Thursday.  We are grateful for your support! https://wbby.co/57463N Voted? Let us know! hello@apeoplesclimate.org  Follow us on Instagram @counterstream_media

    We're nominated for a Webby Award!

  3. 09/29/2025

    Exciting News from Shilpi Chhotray

    Announcing “A People’s Climate” - a NEW climate podcast by Counterstream Media and The Nation. Hosted by Shilpi Chhotray.    This isn’t climate talk as usual. This is environmental justice.    Over nine powerful episodes, we bring together activists, organizers, and movement leaders who are fighting on the frontlines. Every conversation reveals not only why the fight matters, but how communities are already putting solutions into practice and power back in the hands of the people.    The future we need is being built from the ground up. Not by corporations. Not by billionaires. By us. The people demanding justice, reclaiming power, and rebuilding what’s been broken.   New episodes every Saturday starting Sept 27, 2025.   Available wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1840515801   Presented by Counterstream Media and The Nation   Powered by Wildseeds Fund   Learn more at apeoplesclimate.org   We want to hear from you! Email us at hello@apeoplesclimate.org and let us know your thoughts.   Love what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps others discover the show.   Find us instagram: @counterstream_media

    Exciting News from Shilpi Chhotray

  4. 10/22/2024

    S5E4 - Season of Dissent (Live from NYC Climate Week)

    Our Season Finale comes to you live from NYC Climate Week. It was an unforgettable afternoon honoring and elevating the power of expression, unity, and civil disobedience in the Environmental Justice movement. This episode features powerful stories from activists and organizers who have taken bold stands against environmental injustices that threaten their communities and our shared future.    Guests:  Thalia Cachimuel, Director of Philanthropic Networks, NDN Collective Kizzy Charles-Guzman, Chief Executive Officer, Center for Environmental Health Chris Tandanzo, Poet and Former New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance organizer   Story Salon Host: Michael McKenzie, Counterstream's Executive Director   Key Topics: Does our current democracy function enough for us to protect it?Dissent is a sacred act for historically excluded communities. It also means “We are going to give you hell.”The importance of storytelling and reclaiming narratives to drive social and environmental changeThe fight to free Leonard Peltier as a story of truth and reconciliation.How environmental justice advocates are the embodiment of dreams.The power of Gen-Z.The interconnectedness of environmental justice work and the movement to end the genocide in Gaza.  Additional resources See images from the Season of Dissent Story SalonNDN’s #FREELEONARDPELTIER ToolkitThe urgent need for federal policy on ‘forever’ chemicals, by Kizzy Charles-GuzmanRevisit some of other Story Salons: Cancer Alley Rises Up: Honoring Black Women in Environmental JusticeClimate Week 2023: In Houston, TexasFood Sovereignty As a Pathway to JusticeStory Salon at Hip Hop For Change Want more? If you haven’t already, subscribe to People over Plastic on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app to automatically get the latest episode each week. Show your support and leave a 5-star review ️️️️ People over Plastic is a project of Counterstream Media.  Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

    S5E4 - Season of Dissent (Live from NYC Climate Week)

  5. 10/15/2024

    S5E3 - Protest with Candice Fortin

    One of the most fundamental freedoms in American democracy is the freedom of expression and assembly. In other words: our right to protest. This freedom ensures everyone can speak out and mobilize without fear of censorship or retaliation. It allows everyday people to challenge disinformation, hold those in power accountable, and rally together for changes that protect both people and the planet. But censorship, criminalization, and complacency threaten the fight for equity and justice, at a time when direct action is more important than ever.   Guest: Candice Fortin, U.S. Campaigns Manager for 350.org, a global climate nonprofit fighting for a world beyond fossil fuels.   Key Topics: The power of protest and direct actionCriminalization of environmental activists in the United States and around the world From the founding of the EJ movement in Warren County, NC To the recent murder of Manuel “Tortuguita” Paez Terán who was killed by Georgia state troopers while protesting against Cop CityCensorship of pro-Palestinian voicesThe need for white liberals to support historically excluded communities in the fight for democracy and justice  Additional resources: See Candice in action at the America’s Energy SummitLearn more about Cop City in People over Plastic episode The Hot SeatLearn more about direct actions like the Summer of Heat here and in our latest issue of Peace & Riot.  Want more? If you haven’t already, subscribe to People over Plastic on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app to automatically get the latest episode each week. Show your support and leave a 5-star review ️️️️ People over Plastic is a project of Counterstream Media.  Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.   Disclaimer: Counterstream Media does not endorse any political candidate or party. These conversations aim to create a safe space for open dialogue.

    S5E3 - Protest with Candice Fortin

  6. 10/08/2024

    S5E2 - Protections with Abre' Conner

    Protections are essential for ensuring laws and policies safeguard both people and the environment. And under the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, equal protections means fair treatment under the law for everyone—regardless of race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status. But historically, Black,  Indigenous, and other communities of color have faced the brunt of environmental, health, and climate change impacts. Despite historic advancements in recent years, deregulation efforts threaten to make things even worse for frontline communities that are demanding democracy delivers on its promise. Guest: Abre’ Conner is the Director, Environmental and Climate Justice at the NAACP where she oversees strategy and collaboration to dismantle environmental racism.   Key Topics:  The intersection of Civil Rights, Environmental Justice, and DemocracyFighting to strengthen protections that center people, not just the environment Critical Race TheoryHow threats to environmental justice go beyond any one political party or presidencyPotential impacts from the Supreme Court ruling on Chevron DeferenceWeakening of protective agencies, like the EPA, through plans like Project 2025  Additional resources James Baldwin’s 1965 debate at Cambridge University Order Toxic Wastes and Race and Toxic Waste and Race at Twenty FREE, Here. Just pay for shipping.More contextual books to consider on Critical Race Theory.  Want more? If you haven’t already, subscribe to People over Plastic on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app to automatically get the latest episode each week. Show your support and leave a 5-star review ️️️️ People over Plastic is a project of Counterstream Media.  Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

    S5E2 - Protections with Abre' Conner

  7. 10/01/2024

    S5E1 - Participation with PennElys Droz

    Participation plays a critical role in building a thriving democracy. But participation goes far beyond voting—it’s a powerful tool for reclaiming rights, restoring land, and ensuring justice for communities that have long been left out of decision-making. Which is why we’re looking at participation through an Indigenous perspective. Indigenous knowledge systems can inform and inspire broader movements for justice and democratic participation.   Guest:  Dr. PennElys Droz is the Power Building and Curriculum Coordinator with NDN Collective, an Indigenous-led advocacy organization.   Key Topics:  The founding of the U.S. Democratic system, which was built on Indigenous ideas from the Haudenosaunee (The Six Nations People)How the complex relationship between indigenous communities and the U.S. Democratic system impacts participation in environmental justice and beyondVoting rights and ongoing challenges to achieving a truly representative governmentThe LandBack movement as participatory justiceSolidarity with the Palestinian liberation movementIndigenous Economies in contrast to colonial, capitalist, and extractive economies — like the petrochemical (plastic) industry.   Additional resources Explainer video on the Haudenosaunee’s influence on the US Constitution with a Haudenosaunee scholar.Explore more about NDN Collective here.Want more? If you haven’t already, subscribe to People over Plastic on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app to automatically get the latest episode each week. Show your support and leave a 5-star review ️️️️ People over Plastic is a project of Counterstream Media. Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

    S5E1 - Participation with PennElys Droz

  8. 09/23/2024

    Season 5 Trailer - Democracy and Dissent

    Welcome back to a very special season of the People over Plastic Podcast “Democracy and Dissent” where we’re exploring the intersection of Environmental Justice & Democracy. The urgency surrounding democracy is at an all-time high. But this is about more than politics, who wins the presidency, or maintaining the status quo. It’s about ensuring democracy delivers on its promise—for everyone, not just those in power.   Over the next episodes we’ll tackle three of the most critical aspects of democracy through the lens of environmental justice: Participation, Protections, and Protest.    Host Shilpi Chhotray will have candid conversations with Environmental Justice thought leaders who have complex and differing relationships, histories, and hopes for democracy. Tune in and listen wherever you get your podcasts — because the fight for environmental justice is also a fight for democracy itself.   If you haven’t already, subscribe to People over Plastic on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app to automatically get the latest episode each week.   People over Plastic is a project of Counterstream Media.  Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

    Season 5 Trailer - Democracy and Dissent
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Trailer

4.8
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

People over Plastic (PoP) was the first podcast from Counterstream Media. Launched and Hosted by Shilpi Chhotray, the show ran for five impactful seasons from 2021-2024.  PoP brought together activists, change-makers, organizers, and innovators for raw, unfiltered conversations about climate and environmental justice and was produced by a talented group of producers and creatives of color.  Though PoP is no longer running, its impact remains: the show was ranked in Spotify’s Top 10 Podcasts for Society & Culture, one of the Top 100 New Orleans Podcasts, shortlisted by the International Womens Podcasting Awards, and listened to in 58 countries. Our new show:  "A People's Climate" hosted by Shilpi Chhotray is currently running and available wherever you get your podcasts.  Learn more at apeoplesclimate.org

Information

  • Creator
    People over Plastic
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 People over Plastic
  • Show Website
    People over Plastic