Coffee & Geography

Kit Rackley (Geogramblings)

== About the 'Coffee & Geography' podcast == The aim of ‘Coffee & Geography’ is to get to know, explore and celebrate the diverse & intersectional range of people and their love for the world. We’ll have fun exploring all the myriad of ways that connects your life to geography. Wait – you don’t think you’re a ‘geographer’? Well, that’s ok! If you have a love and passion for the world then you probably are more than you know. If you're interested in being a guest or want to find out more, then visit https://geogramblings.com/coffee-geography-podcast/. There you will also find an interactive map to explore the locations of guests and the brews that they drink! Follow us on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/CoffeeGeogPod. The Coffee & Geography Podcast is a 'Geogramblings' production, hosted and produced by Kit Rackley (they/them). The podcast is supported by generous donations via https://ko-fi.com/kitrackley and takes advice from an advisory board of volunteers. Theme music: "Spark of Inspiration" by Shane Ivers (silvermansound.com) == About Geogramblings == Kit Rackley (Geogramblings) spent 13 years as a Geography high-school teacher, and is now freelancing as an educational blogger, author, speaker & trainer. They are a consultant to the Geographical Association & NASBTT (UK) and currently works in supporting schools across England to safeguard their children through climate action. Kit's projects include the Geogramblings.com educational blog, communicating issues through performing arts, the Coffee & Geography podcast and many community-based initiatives.

  1. Coffee & Geography Espresso - 10 - Heatwaves, School Closures & Safeguarding (with Alistair Hamill)

    1d ago

    Coffee & Geography Espresso - 10 - Heatwaves, School Closures & Safeguarding (with Alistair Hamill)

    ‘Espresso’ & Geography is a #MiniGeogs #podcast short where Kit Marie and special guests talk current geographical affairs for a maximum of 15 minutes. Except this one was so much of a hot topic, it became a full-length episode. This quadruple shot of geography-laden caffeine welcomes the wonderful Alistair Hamill back to the #CoffeeGeogPod coffeehouse. Earlier today, Alistair and I reviewed some of the talking points from Thursday's Teacher's Talk Radio (TTR) Points of View discussion on heatwaves and schools through a geographical-lens. Please do take the time to listen to the full discussion over on TTR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGMu6LF4VCs / https://www.facebook.com/ttradioofficial/videos/27147212734938414/ and offer your thoughts. Links/references: 🔗 We recreated the legendary heatwave summer of 1976 in today’s climate – here’s what we found (Ed Hawkins & Hayley Fowler, writing for The Conversation): https://theconversation.com/we-recreated-the-legendary-heatwave-summer-of-1976-in-todays-climate-heres-what-we-found-285303 🔗 A previous special #CoffeeGeogPod where Alistair talks about his school's tree project in Lurgan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9RuM_AVmhU 🔗 ‘Standing back’ or ‘stepping up’? Exploring climate change education policy influence in England (Greer, King & Glackin) https://bera-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/berj.3888 ### About Coffee & Geography The aim of ‘Coffee & Geography’ is to get to know, explore and celebrate the diverse & intersectional range of people and their love for the world. If you're interested in being a guest or want to find out more, then visit https://geogramblings.com/coffee-geography-podcast. There you will also find an interactive map to explore the locations of guests and the brews that they drink! Music: 'Spark of Inspiration' by Shane Ivers (www.silvermansound.com/) ### How you can support the podcast and continue the conversation - Follow us on Bluesky at bsky.app/profile/geogramblings.com and the hashtag #CoffeeGeogPod - Post a listener question for guests using #GeogQOverABrew - Rate, review (ratethispodcast.com/coffeegeogpod) and subscribe to the podcast via your preferred platform. - Support Geogramblings education efforts by donating at ko-fi.com/kitrackley - Switch your energy provider to Octopus Energy via this link: https://share.octopus.energy/reed-foal-15. Any referral rewards will go towards Geogramblings education efforts.

    1h 2m
  2. Coffee & Geography 6x10 Dr Anjana Khatwa (UK) The Whispers of Rock

    Jun 6

    Coffee & Geography 6x10 Dr Anjana Khatwa (UK) The Whispers of Rock

    In this episode, Kit Marie is joined by Dr Anjana Khatwa — award-winning earth scientist, geologist, science communicator, TV presenter, and author of The Whispers of Rock. Their conversation begins with family, migration, and identity, tracing Anjana’s story from Slough to Rajasthan, Kenya, India, Dorset, and the Jurassic Coast. She reflects on how colonial histories, family upheaval, and community shaped her understanding of place and belonging. The episode then turns to the rock that changed everything: a piece of basalt Anjana picked up as a child at the Shaitani lava flows in Kenya, the moment she now sees as the beginning of “Jurassic Girl.” From there, she and Kit Marie talk about geology as story, about why rocks are so often overlooked in public conversations about nature, and about how The Whispers of Rock asks readers to see rocks not as dead matter but as part of the living world. They also discuss accessibility to nature, rural space, and belonging, including Anjana’s work at the National Trust on inclusion and equity, and why the issue is not a lack of connection to nature in global majority communities, but often a lack of access. 🔗 Anjana Khatwa – The Whispers of Rock / author website: https://www.anjanakhatwa.com/writing 🔗 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site: https://www.jurassiccoast.org/what-is-the-jurassic-coast/ 🔗 The Geological Society of London – R H Worth Award: https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/about-us/society-awards/r-h-worth-award/ 🔗 National Trust – commitment to inclusion and diversity: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/about-us/our-commitment-to-inclusion-and-diversity 🔗 Celestial Seasonings – Bengal Spice Herbal Tea: https://celestialseasonings.com/products/bengal-spice #CoffeeGeogPod #Geology #EarthScience #ScienceCommunication #JurassicCoast #WhispersOfRock #NatureWriting #InclusionInNature #NationalTrust #RockStories #GeographyEducation #PublicEngagement #DeepTime #ClimateCommunication

    58 min
  3. Coffee & Geography 6x09 Nava Khorram Ahmad (Marianas/Latvia) Climate ed, Child of the Pacific

    May 30

    Coffee & Geography 6x09 Nava Khorram Ahmad (Marianas/Latvia) Climate ed, Child of the Pacific

    Kit Marie is joined by Nava Khorram Ahmad, Executive Director of the Climate Education Centre, a newly established non‑profit developing holistic, action‑orientated climate education for young people globally. Nava shares how the organisation began (co‑founded with her mum) and why their curriculum aims to go beyond climate science to include climate justice, Indigenous ways of knowing, practical action, and emotional support for young people who feel overwhelmed. The conversation explores Nava’s geographic identity—growing up in the Mariana Islands (Saipan), moving to Czechia at 15, and living in Latvia—and how that shaped her values, priorities, and connection to nature. Nava reflects on community life on a small island, the region’s complex colonial history, and early experiences of environmental action through Beautify CNMI, including a childhood initiative to restore a neglected lighthouse. Listener questions take the discussion into climate education in different contexts (Pacific vs Europe vs US), how to foster climate awareness during geopolitical conflict, and the values underpinning climate concern. Nava also shares examples of young people driving climate resilience, including a Pacific‑islands‑led legal effort at the ICJ and youth action in Hawai‘i. 🔗 Climate Education Centre: https://climateducation.org 🔗 European Climate Pact: https://climate-pact.europa.eu/ 🔗 ICJ to Deliver Advisory Opinion on Climate Change: https://sdg.iisd.org/news/icj-to-deliver-advisory-opinion-on-climate-change/ 🔗 Beautify CNMI: https://www.facebook.com/beautifycnmi/ 🔗 Marianas Eye (March 28, 2008) Nava Khorram: Environmental Champion: https://marianaseye.blogspot.com/2008/03/nava-khorram-environmental-champion.html 🔗 Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) overview: https://www.doi.gov/oia/islands/cnmi Connect with Nava via LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nava-khorram/ #CoffeeGeogPod #ClimateEducation #ClimateJustice #YouthClimateAction #IndigenousKnowledge #ClimateResilience #PacificIslands #Saipan #EducationReform #ClimateAnxiety #CommunityAction #ClimateCommunication #ICJ Theme music: "Spark of Inspiration" by Silvermansounds.com

    1h 5m
  4. Coffee & Geography 6x08 Aparna Bamzai-Dodson (USA) Climate adaptation, actionable science, gaming

    May 16

    Coffee & Geography 6x08 Aparna Bamzai-Dodson (USA) Climate adaptation, actionable science, gaming

    Kit Marie is joined by Aparna Bamzai‑Dodson, Assistant Regional Administrator at the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC) within the US Geological Survey (USGS). Aparna explains how the USGS functions as the science arm of the US Department of the Interior and how the CASC network supports climate adaptation across public lands and resources. The conversation focuses on what “actionable science” looks like in practice: building partnerships, designing research questions with end‑users, avoiding stakeholder fatigue, and ensuring science is accessible in the format decision‑makers actually need. Aparna shares how she changed direction from physical climate modelling toward work that helps people do something with climate knowledge, and how she built her PhD research around improving stakeholder engagement processes—work that fed directly back into how her team operates. Kit and Aparna discuss why place matters in adaptation, how to “meet people where they’re at,” and the practical realities of balancing priorities across legislation, gateway communities, visitors, and Indigenous partners. A particularly strong example explores difficult decisions around protecting cultural artefacts threatened by future flooding, and how early science‑informed conversations can create time for communities to decide what they want. 🔗 Aparna's staff profile at the US Geological Survey (USGS): https://www.usgs.gov/staff-profiles/aparna-bamzai-dodson 🔗 Scientist Spotlight on Aparna: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/climate-adaptation-science-centers/news/scientist-spotlight-finding-yourself-open-world 🔗 USGS Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASC network): https://www.usgs.gov/programs/climate-adaptation-science-centers 🔗 US National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/ 🔗 Kashmiri “Kahwa / Kaffa” tea background (tea discussed; name varies by spelling): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kahwah **Disclaimer: Our discussion on specific video games is based on Aparna’s personal views and does not represent a US federal government endorsement*** #CoffeeGeogPod #ClimateAdaptation #USGS #ActionableScience #ScienceCommunication #StakeholderEngagement #ClimateServices #PublicLands #EnvironmentalManagement #Geography #AppliedGeography #ClimateRisk #DecisionMaking #CASC Theme music: "Spark of Inspiration" by Silvermansound.com

    54 min
  5. Coffee & Geography 6x07 Pluto Liu (Aotearoa / New Zealand) Arts and science, Antarctica, capitalism

    May 2

    Coffee & Geography 6x07 Pluto Liu (Aotearoa / New Zealand) Arts and science, Antarctica, capitalism

    In this lively and thoughtful episode, Kit Marie is joined by Pluto Liu, a marine scientist, artist, self‑described nomad, and PhD researcher studying kelp and Antarctic ecosystems from their home in Aotearoa (colonially “New Zealand”). The conversation ranges across identity, geography, creativity, capitalism, and the slippery boundaries between disciplines. Pluto reflects on growing up in China, moving through Hong Kong and Thailand, and eventually settling in Aotearoa, describing how each place has shaped their sense of self. They speak about linguistic belonging, their deep affinity with Latin America after spending time in Chile, and how identity becomes a patchwork: “a mixture of all different places I’ve been to.” Together, Kit Marie and Pluto discuss the limitations of Western scientific labels, the unnecessary separation of arts and sciences, and the importance of Indigenous and relational understandings of nature. Pluto shares insights into Antarctic policy, the tourism debate, and the realities of capitalism’s encroachment into polar seas. There are stories too — of tattoo artistry, surfing, learning to swim, nearly falling asleep during tattoos, and getting a diving certificate before being able to swim properly! Weblinks for Listeners: 🔗 Pluto's BlueSky account: https://bsky.app/profile/plutoxliu.bsky.social 🔗 Trade Aid Aotearoa: https://www.tradeaid.org.nz/ 🔗 Antarctic Treaty Secretariat: https://www.ats.aq/ 🔗 Baldwin Street – Dunedin: https://www.dunedinnz.com/insiders/baldwin-street2 Theme music: "Spark of Inspiration" by Silvermansound.com

    54 min
  6. Coffee & Geography 6x06 Deondre Smiles (Ojibwe - USA/Canada) Indigenous geographies, culture in the stars and more

    Apr 18

    Coffee & Geography 6x06 Deondre Smiles (Ojibwe - USA/Canada) Indigenous geographies, culture in the stars and more

    In this rich and expansive conversation, Kit Marie is joined by Dr. Niiyokamigaabaw Deondre Smiles, an Ojibwe geographer based in Victoria, British Columbia. Together, they explore identity, movement, Indigenous geographies, the meaning of place, and how our relationships with land — and sky — shape who we become. Deondre shares how his Black, Swedish, and Ojibwe heritage, together with his moves across Minneapolis, Ohio, and now Canada, have influenced his sense of self. He discusses the migration history of Ojibwe peoples and explains how Western cartographic boundaries differ deeply from Indigenous understandings of territory, kinship, and relational land connections. The conversation journeys through NativeLand.ca, the role of stars and constellations in Ojibwe governance, the creation story of Turtle Island, and the responsibilities humans carry as “the least important part of the ecosystem.” Kit Marie and Deondre also bond over the cold of Minnesota versus the wet cold of Victoria, Brexit, decolonisation, nationalism, and the Prime Directive in Star Trek, and discussions about music, memories, and joy — from viola to percussion to the household’s many tarantulas. A thoughtful, gentle, humorous episode that blends Indigenous knowledge, personal geography, and cosmic belonging. Weblinks for Listeners: 🔗 Dr. Deondre Smiles – personal website: https://deondresmiles.com/ 🔗 Native Land Digital / Native-Land.ca: https://native-land.ca/ 🔗 Anishinaabe Astronomy and Identity: https://ojibwe.net/anishinaabe-astronomy-and-identity/ 🔗 Star Stories: Ojibwe Indigenous Star Map - An Artist's Rendition: https://www.zhaawanart.com/post/star-stories-part-9-ojibwe-star-map 🔗 Ojibwe People’s Dictionary: https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/ 🔗 Star Trek's "Prime Directive": https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Prime_Directive #CoffeeGeogPod #IndigenousGeographies #Ojibwe #DecolonisingGeography #HumanGeography #PlaceIdentity #TurtleIsland #NativeLand #GeographyEducation #IndigenousKnowledges #Cosmology #StarStories #CulturalGeography #environmentaljustice Theme music: 'Sparks of Inspiration' by Silvermansound.com

    55 min
  7. Coffee & Geography 6x05 Sustainability at East Norfolk Sixth Form with Dr Catherine Richards (UK)

    Apr 4

    Coffee & Geography 6x05 Sustainability at East Norfolk Sixth Form with Dr Catherine Richards (UK)

    In this on‑location special, Kit Marie travels to the east coast of England to spend a spring morning at East Norfolk Sixth Form College, speaking with Principal Dr Catherine Richards about the intersection of community, place‑identity, and sustainability. The conversation blends human geography with practical leadership: the real challenges of Great Yarmouth, the spirit of its people, the region’s shift towards renewable offshore wind, and the ways education can anchor a community in hope rather than decline. Catherine shares how ENSF has become a model for college‑level sustainability — from solar‑panel investment and curriculum change, to innovative food‑chain choices, water‑awareness projects, student‑driven ideas, reprographics reform, composting strategies, and the upcoming near‑net‑zero new building. But the heart of the episode lies in community pride. In the belief that young people in coastal towns deserve world‑class futures. And in the idea that climate education is not separate from subject teaching — it’s woven into each discipline’s responsibility to the future. This episode is a love‑letter to Great Yarmouth, a celebration of local leadership, and a blueprint for what educational institutions can be. Interesting links: 🔗 East Norfolk Sixth Form College: To explore EN’s programmes, ethos, and sustainability work. https://www.eastnorfolk.ac.uk 🔗 Virtual Campus Tour: https://www.eastnorfolk.ac.uk/Applicants-Students-Parents/Virtual-Campus-Tour 🔗 Water Resources East (WRE): Referenced in Catherine’s discussion of water security and the region’s future challenges. https://wre.org.uk 🔗 Peel Ports – Port of East Anglia (Great Yarmouth): Relevant to Catherine’s comments about port redevelopment and regional economic strategy. https://www.peelports.com/marine/our-ports/port-of-east-anglia/ 🔗 Scroby Sands offshore wind farm https://uk.rwe.com/locations/scroby-sands-offshore-wind-farm/ 🔗 Norfolk FWAG (Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group): Referenced regarding sustainable food choices, deer management, and local ecology. https://www.norfolkfwag.co.uk #CoffeeGeogPod #Sustainability #EducationLeadership #FurtherEducation #ClimateEducation #GreatYarmouth #RenewableEnergy #OffshoreWind #CommunityEmpowerment #PlaceBasedGeography #NetZeroColleges #ukcoast Theme music: "Spark of Inspiration" by Shane Ivers (silvermansound.com)

    37 min
  8. Coffee & Geography 6x03 Dr Robin Hayward (UK) Rainforests, trees, identity, sci-comm

    Mar 7

    Coffee & Geography 6x03 Dr Robin Hayward (UK) Rainforests, trees, identity, sci-comm

    In this joyful, wide‑ranging conversation, forest ecologist and science communicator Dr Robin Hayward joins Kit Marie for a celebration of trees, identity, science, and storytelling. Robin shares how growing up on Dartmoor shaped their love of horizons, how Malaysian rainforests revealed the long‑term impact of selective logging, and why hugging trees is both a scientific method and a source of soul‑level joy. Other themes include: • Measuring rainforests, from canopy lizards to multi‑decade seedling studies • How restoration succeeds (or doesn’t) across generations • Whether tropical or boreal forests should be prioritised — a playful debate • Star Trek, Thunderbirds, and the magic of weaving sci‑fi into teaching • The social camouflage queer scientists navigate in fieldwork • Creative science communication: live shows, art, code, and cake • Building inclusive fieldwork environments and resources for LGBTQ+ geographers Find Robin everywhere online via https://canopyrobin.com/links, including Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, Mastodon and LinkedIn. 🔗 Leeds Ecosystem, Atmosphere & Forest (LEAF) Centre: https://leaf.leeds.ac.uk/gairwood 🔗 Inclusive Fieldwork at University of Leeds: https://inclusivefieldwork.leeds.ac.uk 🔗 ESC (Ecological Site Classification) for UK Tree Suitability GIS tool: http://www.forestdss.org.uk/geoforestdss/ 🔗 South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership (SEARRP): https://www.searrp.org/ 🔗 SAFE Project, Malaysia: https://atlas.smartforests.net/en/logbooks/safe-project/ Theme music: "Spark of Inspiration" by Shane Ivers (silvermansound.com)

    56 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

== About the 'Coffee & Geography' podcast == The aim of ‘Coffee & Geography’ is to get to know, explore and celebrate the diverse & intersectional range of people and their love for the world. We’ll have fun exploring all the myriad of ways that connects your life to geography. Wait – you don’t think you’re a ‘geographer’? Well, that’s ok! If you have a love and passion for the world then you probably are more than you know. If you're interested in being a guest or want to find out more, then visit https://geogramblings.com/coffee-geography-podcast/. There you will also find an interactive map to explore the locations of guests and the brews that they drink! Follow us on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/CoffeeGeogPod. The Coffee & Geography Podcast is a 'Geogramblings' production, hosted and produced by Kit Rackley (they/them). The podcast is supported by generous donations via https://ko-fi.com/kitrackley and takes advice from an advisory board of volunteers. Theme music: "Spark of Inspiration" by Shane Ivers (silvermansound.com) == About Geogramblings == Kit Rackley (Geogramblings) spent 13 years as a Geography high-school teacher, and is now freelancing as an educational blogger, author, speaker & trainer. They are a consultant to the Geographical Association & NASBTT (UK) and currently works in supporting schools across England to safeguard their children through climate action. Kit's projects include the Geogramblings.com educational blog, communicating issues through performing arts, the Coffee & Geography podcast and many community-based initiatives.

Information

  • Creator
    Kit Rackley (Geogramblings)
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    153
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Coffee & Geography