Doomer Optimism

Doomer Optimism
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Doomer Optimism

Doomer Optimism is a podcast dedicated to discovering regenerative paths forward, highlighting the people working for a better world, and connecting seekers to doers. Beyond that, it's pretty much a $hitshow. Enjoy!

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    DO 256 - Political Agency with Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and James

    Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez joins DO to discuss her unique perspective as a Congresswoman from a rural background, covering environmentalism, localism, and the importance of agency in politics. She critiques the disconnect between policymakers and the communities they represent, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and grounded approach to policy-making. The discussion also delves into the challenges the timber industry faces, the impact of regulations, and the importance of listening to constituents' experiences. Ultimately, the conversation highlights everyday Americans' growing desire for agency and representation.00:00 Introduction to Forerunner Nationalism and Personal Connections03:05 The Politics of Climate and Environmentalism06:01 Navigating Democratic Politics and Community Engagement09:10 Agency and Localism in Policy Making12:05 De-proceduralization vs. Deregulation in Childcare and Business15:07 The Spotted Owl Crisis and Its Impact on Communities18:01 Family Background and Personal History in Timber Politics20:57 The Consequences of Environmental Policies on Local Economies23:51 Lawfare and Its Effects on Small Businesses27:00 Conclusion and Future Directions for Policy32:16 Political Agency and Community Empowerment38:13 Regulatory Challenges and Economic Agency43:19 Localism and Community Dynamics54:41 A Growing Sense of Agency and Independence

    57 min

  2. FEB 11

    DO 255 - Post Woke Synthesis

    Ashley, Gabe (@VividVoid) and Rich (@RichDecibels) discuss what an integrated, post-woke synthesis might look like. In this episode, we all discuss times and places where we have seen a functional pluralistic social environment – from public school to the Marines to Occupy. We discuss how you might take lessons from those examples into the present divisive social and political moment.

    1h 26m

  3. FEB 4

    DO 254 - The Spiritual Side of Childbirth w/ Leah @TallSnail and Ashley

    How does modern society shape our perceptions of childbirth, and are we missing a deeper, more primal experience? Ashley sits down with Leah, a software engineer and mother, to explore childbirth's deeply personal and often overlooked spiritual dimensions. Together, they unpack the ways modern society frames birth—medicalized, blissful, or terrifying—and contrast these narratives with Leah’s raw, primal experience of labor. They discuss the psychological and physiological forces at play, the importance of surrender and instinct, and the role of partners in supporting a natural birth. Ashley and Leah also reflect on the lost traditions of communal birthing knowledge and how reconnecting with this ancestral wisdom can reshape our approach to pregnancy, labor, and motherhood.

    1h 15m

  4. JAN 28

    DO 253 - Plough Magazine and the Bruderhof w/ Alan Koppschall

    How has the Bruderhof community balanced individual autonomy with collective decision-making to maintain harmony and functionality? Ashley sits down with Alan Kopschel, editor at Plough Magazine and a member of the Bruderhof community. Together, they explore the unique history and philosophy of the Bruderhof community, a Christian community founded on values of pacifism, shared resources, and direct accountability. Alan sheds light on Bruderhof’s commitment to communal living, regenerative agriculture, and a governance system that balances personal autonomy with collective needs. Ashley and Alan get into Bruderhof's international growth, cultural traditions, and practical strategies for maintaining harmony and purpose in a shared life. Alan Koppschall is a managing editor and an event coordinator at Plough. He is a member of the Bruderhof and lives at the Fox Hill Bruderhof in Walden, New York. Twitter: @koppsch_a

    1h 18m

  5. JAN 21

    DO 252 - Brick and Mortar Localism w/ Ben, Lucy, Longstory Farms and Ashley

    In this episode, Ashley interviews husband and wife team Ben and Lucy about their eco-market in upstate New York, and Geoffrey from Longstory Farms about his planned local farm story in South Carolina. We discuss the importance of local commerce, challenges, and nuts and bolts approaches to competing in the market. Ben and Lucy Janssen both grew up in upstate NY and met at the local Community College. Lucy started her store Reuse Refuge in October 2020 with a friend while many small businesses were closing. The goal was to help provide the local community with non-plastic or biodegradable necessities of everyday life that help reduce domestic waste streams. It has since adapted and branched out its focus to maintain a foothold in the small city of Auburn's downtown. Going on its 5th year it has struggled to flourish financially as its vision doesn't prioritize consumerism but the more traditional scale economy. Ben works a job helping the developmentally disabled. The store hours are limited to weeknights and weekends when he's not working as they raise their 5-year-old. Ben grew interested in soil health and eventually peak oil. Ben met Jason Snyder in Joe Brewer's online regeneration class in 2020 and has kept in touch with the Doomer Optimism community since. Although Ben has grown more agnostic on peak oil or collapse perspectives he continues to read many books on the theme of industrial society and its effects on ecological and cultural shifts over time while supporting his wife's vision for her store. @reuserefuge on Instagram and TikTok @bennirubber on Instagram, Youtube, Substack, X, and Benjamin Janssen on goodreads.com  Long Story Farms, LLC is a family-run pasture-based, sustainable farm just outside Newberry, SC. We offer pork and poultry, eggs, and select produce to consumers in the Newberry, Chapin, and Columbia areas.  In the next few months, we will open a store offering local farm products, a zero-waste refiller, and some bulk foods.  website: Longstoryfarms.com Instagram: @longstoryfarmsc X.com: @longstoryfarms Facebook: @longstoryfarms https://www.instagram.com/reuserefuge?igsh=eGVlNXlia2F0dnZp Tik tok https://www.tiktok.com/@reuserefuge

    1h 13m

  6. JAN 15

    DO 251 - LA Fires w/ Leighton Woodhouse and James Pogue

    How have urban development patterns in California, particularly in LA, exacerbated wildfire risks? James Pogue and Leighton Woodhouse discuss the LA fires following Leighton’s piece in the Free Press “LA Was Built to Burn.” The conversation explores the ecological, political, and cultural factors contributing to the wildfire crises across Los Angeles and beyond. We shed light on the human and environmental stakes in a burning state. Leighton Woodhouse is a journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Oakland, California. He has written for The Intercept, The New Republic, The Nation, Tablet, UnHerd, and other publications.

    1h 23m

  7. JAN 14

    DO 250 - Civics at a Human Scale w/ Wally Chamberlain aka Anarchocontrarian and Ashley

    How can localism serve as an alternative to large-scale governance and globalized economies? Ashley and Wally discuss small-scale, secular models for civic and economic organizing, and compare/contrast them with their Catholic equivalents (subsidiarity and distribution). We discuss practical ways to build community agency, neighborliness, and autonomy at the smallest scale, exploring the New England town meeting model and the role of direct democracy, If you are interested in regaining a sense of local autonomy in a large-scale world, this episode is for you!

    1h 42m

  8. JAN 7

    DO 249 - NEPA babies w/ Jimmy Tobias, James Pogue and Ashley

    How will the overturning of Chevron deference reshape the regulatory landscape for environmental policy? Special guest investigative journalist Jimmy Tobias joins Ashley and James to discuss the complexities of environmental policy and regulation. They explore how the Chevron decision will reshape the regulatory landscape and what it means for NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, and federal land management. The conversation highlights the growing clash between the rapid push for renewable energy development and its impact on ecosystems while dissecting the bureaucratic and cultural hurdles to preserving public lands and wildlife.

    1h 10m
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4.8
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

Doomer Optimism is a podcast dedicated to discovering regenerative paths forward, highlighting the people working for a better world, and connecting seekers to doers. Beyond that, it's pretty much a $hitshow. Enjoy!

Information

  • Creator
    Doomer Optimism
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    255
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Doomer Optimism
  • Show Website
    Doomer Optimism

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