Earthbound (Formerly Global Warming Is Real)

Thomas Schueneman
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  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Earthbound is a podcast about what it means to be human on a warming planet. Host Thomas Schueneman, a climate writer, global freelance journalist, and audio producer, talks with scientists, philosophers, activists, artists, Indigenous leaders, policy experts, and everyday people about how a changing Earth is reshaping our lives—and how our choices, values, and imaginations are reshaping the planet in return. From climate politics and planetary health to environmental justice, mental well‑being, psychology, and philosophy, the show explores the quiet work of repairing our relationship with nature and each other. Earthbound offers clear‑eyed, human‑centered stories from the Anthropocene.

  1. Blood and Cigarettes: The Christmas Truce of 1914-Finding Peace on Common Ground

    12/23/2025 · BONUS

    Blood and Cigarettes: The Christmas Truce of 1914-Finding Peace on Common Ground

    With this bonus holiday episode, I revisit a short article I originally wrote for a now-defunct website and republished on Medium back in 2022. Blood and Cigarettes takes us back to Christmas Eve and the trenches of World War I, and how redemption can be found in the unlikeliest of places. Ever since I heard the story of the Christmas Truce of 1914, it has intrigued me. The poignant tale of the 1914 Christmas Truce serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity, even amidst the chaos of war. This was not a truce fiercely negotiated by generals miles from the front, but an impromptu laying down of arms by the battered grunts in the trenches. The collective power of the human spirit reached across the barren no man’s land, transforming it into common ground. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their erstwhile enemies, they offered each other cigarettes, sang Christmas carols, and played football. The next day, they could return to war. Tonight was a different story. I keep coming back to this story at this time of year (especially this year) because it starkly illustrates the power of storytelling and mythmaking. Myth is not falsehood. We navigate the long night of winter, the dark solstice, with a tapestry of stories and myths patched together through the weaver of time. One thread that weaves its way through them all is our shared humanity. Try as one ideology or another would reject any common association with the other, it is there, a single fiber that binds us together even as we crouch in our trenches of imagined division. Can we not find inspiration in this tale, questioning our own narratives and the divisions they create? I challenge myself and you, dear listener, to seek common ground, to understand that we all inhabit this planet together, and to embrace our shared humanity. A New Name for Season Two As we conclude season one of the podcast, we are transitioning to our new name, Earthbound. We have many more great interviews and thought-provoking episodes in store for the new season. Thank you for listening. Takeaways: The 1914 Christmas truce during World War I exemplified humanity's capacity for empathy amidst conflict.Myths and narratives shape our lives, influencing our values, purpose, and ultimately our actions.In a poignant moment, soldiers from opposing sides united in the spirit of Christmas, transcending their enmity.The human condition is a constant struggle between our better angels and darker impulses, especially in times of strife.This holiday season, we are reminded of our potential to be a light in the darkness, just as those soldiers were.The fleeting peace of the Christmas truce highlights the importance of finding common ground in divisive times. Resources: The Story of the 1914 Christmas Truce

    5 min
  2. Joshua Harrison: Art, Science, and Reconnecting with Our Roots in a Modern World

    12/13/2025

    Joshua Harrison: Art, Science, and Reconnecting with Our Roots in a Modern World

    What Would The Ocean Say If You Could Ask It A Question?Exploring the intersection of art, science, and environmental activism, this episode features thought provoking conversation with Joshua Harrison, director of the Center for the Study of the Force Majeure based at the University of California, Santa Cruz.  The art-science environmental research collaborative challenges us to rethink our relationship with the planet and provoke us into thinking beyond the status quo and our long-held assumption about how the world works and our relationship to it. Harrison's work lives at the edges: the intersection of disciplines, the boundaries between land and water, and the uncomfortable space between what we know and what we choose to ignore. Through immersive installations like the Sensorium for the World Ocean and community-based fire ecology projects with indigenous partners, Harrison is pioneering new ways to help us feel—not just understand—our impact on the world that sustains us.  Harrison unpacks why our modern disconnection from nature isn't just a philosophical problem, but a practical crisis with deadly consequences. From the urban heat island effect claiming thousands of lives to overgrown forests fueling catastrophic wildfires, he reveals how abandoning circularity, community, and indigenous wisdom has left us vulnerable to the very "acts of God" his center studies.  Yet Harrison refuses to leave us in despair. He traces the history of American innovation and destruction—from victory gardens to planned obsolescence, from universal education to the current brain drain—while pointing to concrete solutions: greening cities to match pre-colonial temperatures, recovering cultural burning practices, and building appreciating assets rather than extracting depreciating ones. The conversation explores how California's fire management thinking has shifted dramatically in just five years, proving that rapid change is possible when we're willing to learn. You Are Not Alone, And You Don't Have To Be PerfectThat's Harrison's message for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the scale of environmental crisis.  He illustrates how mapping local resilience projects, connecting young people to place-based action, and finding the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, and what needs fixing offers a practical antidote to paralysis.  As Gary Snyder reminds us: “Find your place in the world, dig in, and take responsibility from there.” Resources: Center for the Study of the Force MajeureLeaf IslandJoshua Harrison on LinkedIn

    1h 22m
  3. Black (Cyber) Monday: How the Sausage is Made in an Instantaneous, Digital World

    11/30/2025 · BONUS

    Black (Cyber) Monday: How the Sausage is Made in an Instantaneous, Digital World

    How I Felt Ridiculous When I Ordered Same-Day DeliveryIn this short bonus episode, I briefly examine the complexities of modern consumerism and the often-overlooked hidden costs of our convenience-driven shopping habits. As we rush into another holiday shopping season, I revisit a 2018 article that explored the darker side of online shopping convenience, particularly during events like Cyber Monday. The rapid evolution of retail and escalating consumer expectations, from the demand for same-day delivery to the profound human cost on logistics and fulfillment workers, present a stark reality.  We’ll hear poignant accounts from industry workers, revealing the grim conditions that often go unnoticed as we click “buy now." As consumers, our knowledge and awareness empower us to make conscious decisions about what, where, and how we shop. Takeaways: The rapid convenience of online shopping has hidden costs, both financial and ethical, that we need to acknowledge. Witnessing the human toll behind instantaneous deliveries can change our perspective on what convenience really costs us. As consumers, we have the power to reshape expectations and demand better working conditions for retail workers. The dark side of e-commerce reveals uncomfortable truths about logistics and labor that are often overlooked. With increased awareness, we can make informed decisions about our consumption habits and their broader impacts. Resources: New York Times: The Daily Podcast: The Human Toll of Instant Delivery The Nation: Amazon’s Prime Sweatshop Is Nothing to CelebrateOriginal article in MediumGlobalWarmingIsReal.com

    8 min
  4. Sustainability Isn't a Dirty Word: A Conversation With Sustainable Business Expert Lee Stewart

    11/22/2025

    Sustainability Isn't a Dirty Word: A Conversation With Sustainable Business Expert Lee Stewart

    The 1970s “Crying Indian” campaign, as it came to be known, with its poignant imagery and simple message about littering, has left an indelible mark on American culture.  Yet, as we unpack the history and implications of this campaign, we discover that not all was as it appeared.  It served as a brilliant marketing tactic by corporations to shift the onus of pollution onto individuals, effectively masking the real environmental damage caused by corporate practices. The origins of the Keep America Beautiful campaign reveal how it was strategically designed to deflect attention from industry-generated pollution and place the blame squarely on consumers.  The campaign highlights the pernicious nature of greenwashing and its evolution into the modern business landscape, where companies often prioritize image over genuine environmental responsibility.  Our guest, Lee Stewart, is the author of How to Build Sustainability Into Your Business Strategy: A Practical No-Nonsense Guide for Business Leaders. His work and book provide insight into how businesses can navigate this complex terrain. He emphasizes the need to shift from superficial sustainability claims to authentic action.  Drawing from his extensive experience across various industries, Lee outlines practical steps for integrating sustainability into business operations. He advocates for a triple bottom line approach, where profit, people, and planet are equally prioritized, and urges business leaders to engage their teams in meaningful conversations about sustainability.  Takeaways: The iconic Crying Indian ad, while effective in reducing litter, also shifted blame onto individuals, diverting attention from corporate pollution. Cody Iron Eyes, the face of the ad, wasn’t actually Native American, raising questions about authenticity in environmental messaging. Authentic sustainability efforts must focus on systemic change rather than merely reducing individual litter, or they risk becoming greenwashing. Lee Stewart advocates for actionable sustainability strategies that genuinely engage businesses to create long-term environmental benefits. A robust sustainability strategy involves understanding the business’s impact, engaging employees, and aligning with customer expectations for a competitive edge. The call for transparency in sustainability practices is growing, with frameworks, like Lee Stewart’s Triple C framework, requiring companies to disclose their carbon emissions and environmental impacts. Resources: Lee Stewart Book, Bio, Media, and PressCody Iron Eyes and Keep America BeautifulGlobal Warming is Real

    43 min
  5. The Fourth Turning Meets the Ways of the Duck | Responding With Calm in a Chaotic World

    10/30/2025

    The Fourth Turning Meets the Ways of the Duck | Responding With Calm in a Chaotic World

    Feed the inner duck Not with human news Or greedy things that suck, But give it quiet views; Comments from the moon. Opinions from the sky. The insights of a tune. The wisdom of a sigh. -Michael Leunig History Doesn’t Repeat, But It Rymes In a world hurtling toward what feels like an inevitable cliff, our daily algorithmically fed news cycles have evolved from continuous to relentless, reaching a brutal intensity that leaves many feeling shell-shocked and powerless. We may be shell-shocked, but we are not powerless. In this episode, I explore parallels between our current political moment and historical patterns of crisis, highlighting the work of William Strauss and Neil Howe, who proposed the Strauss-Howe Generational Theory and the concept of “The Fourth Turning,” as described in their 197 best-selling book of the same name (and expounded upon in a 2023 sequel, The Fourth Turning is Here. The theory defines a Fourth Turning as a crisis period, a decisive era of upheaval that reshapes societies every 80 to 100 years. World War II ended 80 years ago. As we navigate what appears to be a contemporary Fourth Turning, characterized by authoritarian challenges, democratic erosion, and an alarmingly tepid response to the climate crisis, the question becomes not whether we can survive these historical forces, but how we can respond with wisdom and resilience. Seeking Our Inner Duck and the Work of Michael LuenigFrom here, my discussion takes a whimsical turn as I explore the wisdom of ‘following your inner duck.’ Australian artist and philosopher Michael Leunig renders a simple image of a humble man praying to a caring duck—his inner duck. The image is poignant in its simplicity. Amidst the noise, the notion of following our inner duck emerges as a whimsical yet profound metaphor for grounding ourselves in intuition and authenticity, reminding us to seek beauty and connection rather than get lost in the chaos. Leunig’s Duck invites a sincere approach to life, suggesting that by connecting with our inner selves—our ‘ducks’—we can navigate life’s storms and the historical forces bearing down with clarity and purpose. By prioritizing beauty, humility, and connection, we can cultivate a quiet resilience rooted in peace and empathy that not only helps us endure the present but also empowers us to navigate crises, a Fourth Turning, toward a brighter future. Ultimately, this episode is a thoughtful blend of history, philosophy, and practical wisdom, inviting us to reflect on our capacity for hope and action in the face of adversity. Takeaways:The relentless nature of today's news cycle can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, much like historical political blitzkriegs.Understanding historical patterns, such as Strauss and Howe's generational theory, can offer insights into our current societal crises and challenges.The importance of finding calm and balance,...

    13 min
  6. Here Comes the Apocalypse: Jennifer Heller's Guide to Disaster Preparation for Non-Preppers

    10/05/2025

    Here Comes the Apocalypse: Jennifer Heller's Guide to Disaster Preparation for Non-Preppers

    Here Comes the Apocalypse! Panicked or Prepared?The art of preparation in today's polycrisis, conspiracy-driven world is far from straightforward. In all cases, it is an art that encompasses, among other things, science-based common sense and community-oriented planning. Just as important is a sense of humor. With preparation, we can laugh in the face of the Apocalypse!  As we navigate the eerie and unsettling landscape of climate change and societal upheaval, the notion of being prepared has evolved into a complex tapestry of ideologies and practices.  Our guest, Jennifer Heller, the founder of Here Comes the Apocalypse, dives into this transformation, offering a refreshing perspective that strips away the theatrics often associated with disaster preparedness.  Heller’s approach is grounded in community spirit and practical solutions, advocating for an informed yet light-hearted method of preparing for the unexpected. Through her personal experiences, including the loss of two close relatives' homes in two separate California wildfires, she emphasizes the critical importance of having a structured disaster plan that is accessible, sensible, and grounded in reality. Heller’s unique brand of humor shines throughout our chat, reminding us that while the topics at hand may often be grim, a dash of wit can make the daunting task of preparing for disaster a bit more palatable. Her program, Here Comes the Apocalypse, is not just about survival; it's about recovery and fostering a sense of community where preparedness is a shared responsibility.  We conclude our conversation by remembering that, amidst the chaos, we should not lose sight of the joy in our daily lives. Humor and gratitude can keep us sane in crazy times. Takeaways: In an uncertain world, being prepared is not just a motto but a necessity for survival, as the reality of disasters is increasingly undeniable.Humor can play a crucial role in disaster preparedness, helping to lighten the weight of serious topics while equipping ourselves for potential crises.Local community engagement and cooperation are essential; when disaster strikes, your neighbors may be your best resources for support and safety.The traditional prepper mentality can be daunting, but practical approaches to preparedness can empower individuals without succumbing to paranoia or extremism.Having physical copies of important documents is vital; during a disaster, relying solely on digital information can lead to unnecessary complications and stress.Fostering a sense of community resilience not only prepares us for disasters but also cultivates connections that can enrich our everyday lives. Resources: Jennifer HellerHere Comes the ApocalypseFEMA Community Emergency Response TrainingGlobalWarmingIsReal

    43 min
  7. Where Have All the Golden Toads Gone? A Tale of Extinction and Hope

    09/14/2025

    Where Have All the Golden Toads Gone? A Tale of Extinction and Hope

    The Golden ToadIf you’re like me, by the time you first heard about the Golden Toad, it was already gone. A flash of gold high in the damp cloud forest of Costa Rica. This mysterious and elusive species, native to a tiny habitat in the misty clouds of Costa Rica, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems and the impacts of climate change.  In this episode, I chat with Kyle and Trevor Ritland, authors of “The Golden: An Ecological Mystery and the Search for a Lost Species.”   The Ritland brothers take us through their heartfelt exploration of this lost species, intertwining personal stories with scientific inquiry. Initially discovered in the 1960s, the golden toad became a fleeting marvel for scientists before being declared extinct just a few decades later. The episode paints a vivid picture of the golden toad’s unique habitat—its high-altitude, mist-laden world that mirrors the fragility of its existence. As the brothers recount their journey, they reflect on the ecological and emotional impacts of extinction. They discuss the dual threats of climate change and the chytrid fungus that may have conspired to silence the golden toad forever.  Through their investigation, they emphasize the urgent need for conservation efforts in the face of global environmental changes. They also grapple with the ethical considerations of scientific inquiry, questioning how outsiders can respectfully engage with local ecosystems without causing harm. The episode leaves us pondering whether the golden toad truly vanished or if it remains hidden within unexplored niches of its mountainous home.  The Ritland brothers inspire hope, even in the face of extinction, reminding us all that the loss of biodiversity is not just a tale of despair but also a call to action to protect our planet’s delicate ecosystems. Takeaways: The golden toad, once an icon of biodiversity in Costa Rica, was officially declared extinct in 2005, making its story one of both loss and ongoing mystery.Two primary factors contributed to the golden toad's extinction: climate change and the deadly chytrid fungus that decimated amphibian populations globally. Local communities play a crucial role in conservation efforts, balancing scientific inquiry with indigenous knowledge to protect the fragile ecosystems of Monteverde. The search for the golden toad highlights the interconnectedness of species survival and the importance of preserving habitats amidst climate change pressures. Despite being declared extinct, the possibility remains that the golden toad could still exist in undiscovered, damp microhabitats, prompting ongoing hope and exploration. Conservation initiatives like the Children’s Eternal Rainforest exemplify successful collaborations between local expertise and international support, aiming to preserve biodiversity.  Links, References, and Resources The Golden Toad: An Ecological Mystery and the Search for a Lost SpeciesKyle and Trevor RitlandAdventure TermChildren’s Eternal Rainforest a href="https://www.monteverdeinfo.com/community/monteverde-conservation-league" rel="noopener...

    51 min
  8. Hollar: A Graphic Memoir of Rural Resistance with Denali Sai Nalamalapu

    08/30/2025

    Hollar: A Graphic Memoir of Rural Resistance with Denali Sai Nalamalapu

    The Mountain Valley Pipeline and Stories of Resistance in AppalachiaAmidst the Appalachian dawn, our exploration of community resilience and environmental justice unfolds through the lens of Denali Sai Nalamalapu, author of ‘Holler: A Graphic Memoir of Rural Resistance.’ The Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) stands as a stark reminder of the battles waged by local communities against encroaching corporate interests. Denali expertly articulates the complexities of this decade-long struggle, revealing how the MVP’s construction, initially presented as a critical energy project, has instead become a symbol of corporate overreach and environmental degradation. The MVP was met with fierce and determined opposition from a diverse community of residents who understood the potential dangers it posed to their land, water supply, and way of life. We discuss the labyrinthine, back-slapping political maneuvering that allowed the MVP to be approved. A Faustian bargain at the highest levels, where environmental concerns and legitimate legal challenges were sidelined in favor of fossil fuel development–thanks to the intransigence of Senator Joe Manchin. Denali shares her experience and the stories of others who have dedicated a decade or more of their lives to the fight, demonstrating that the struggle against the MVP was not just about preserving land or one pipeline, but also about asserting the rights of communities to defend their homes. The episode highlights how grassroots activism can mobilize resistance across diverse voices as a powerful force against exploitation. The ongoing resistance against the expansion of the MVP into North Carolina serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to back down in the face of corporate giants. Denali’s insights remind us that while the battle may be tough, the path toward justice, environmental stewardship, and energy sanity is one worth pursuing. We can confront the Goliaths of our time, armed with resilience, community, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Takeaways: The Mountain Valley Pipeline controversy underscores the conflict between local communities and corporate interests that prioritize profit over environmental well-being. Grassroots activism is not just a youthful endeavor; it encompasses voices from all ages, demonstrating the power of intergenerational solidarity in the pursuit of environmental justice. Despite the Mountain Valley Pipeline's construction, the ongoing resistance reflects a resilient community spirit that continues to challenge corporate exploitation of natural resources. Storytelling through graphic novels, as seen in Denali Sai Nalamalapu's work, is a compelling medium for conveying complex environmental issues to broader audiences. The fight against the Mountain Valley Pipeline underscores the importance of local knowledge and community connections in combating environmental injustices. Even in the face of setbacks, such as the pipeline's approval, the unity and determination of the Appalachian community serve as a beacon of hope for future climate action. References: Denali Sai NalamalapuHollar: A Graphic Memoir of Rural ResistanceMountain Valley PipelineMVP “a...

    44 min
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Earthbound is a podcast about what it means to be human on a warming planet. Host Thomas Schueneman, a climate writer, global freelance journalist, and audio producer, talks with scientists, philosophers, activists, artists, Indigenous leaders, policy experts, and everyday people about how a changing Earth is reshaping our lives—and how our choices, values, and imaginations are reshaping the planet in return. From climate politics and planetary health to environmental justice, mental well‑being, psychology, and philosophy, the show explores the quiet work of repairing our relationship with nature and each other. Earthbound offers clear‑eyed, human‑centered stories from the Anthropocene.

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