Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis

Michelle Lewis
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

In a world where climate change remains the most pressing issue threatening our global society, it can be hard to find hope, but this podcast aims to do just that. Host and Director of the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival, Michelle Lewis, community organizer, filmmaker, and professor, and public theologian has candid conversations with other artists, activists, and environmental leaders from around the world who are doing there part to spread awareness and hope in the midst of this crisis with their work. This is the official podcast of the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival. To learn more about the festival or to buy tickets to this years festival visit www.OBXEFF.com This is a Hermit House Original Podcast. This podcast was Executive produced by Colin Harden and Michelle Lewis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Jun 19

    Extreme Heat: Humidity, Hot Nights, and Staying Safe w/Ashley Ward

    Michelle talks to Ashley Ward, director of Duke University’s Heat Policy Innovation Hub, to discuss why extreme heat has been overlooked and how it is changing, especially in the Southeast. Explore Ashley Ward’s work at Duke’s Heat Policy Innovation Hub and push local leaders and organizations to prioritize heat safety, affordability, and infrastructure resilience now. 03:07 How Ashley Got Into Heat 07:36 Why Heat Gets Ignored 28:11 Staying Cool Without AC 34:12 Finding Hope and Momentum 37:05 Infrastructure Under Heat Stress 40:25 More Heat Songs and Climate Stick Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Jun 5

    Plant Swaps, Native Plants & Climate Hope with Amberly Dyer

    Host Michelle Lewis interviews Amberly Dyer of the Rodanthe Waves and Salvo Civic Association about their fourth annual Earth Day event in Rodanthe, which began as a free, neighbor-connecting plant swap tied to litter pickup and has grown to include live music, community organizations, master gardeners, native plant giveaways from a regional grower, and a low-cost raffle—while avoiding vendors to keep it pressure-free. They discuss gardening successes and frustrations (herbs, tomatoes, eggplant, okra, cold-weather crops, companion planting, and pests), the value of simple, consistent community engagement beyond social media, and how gardens help build relationships and shared leadership for longevity. Amberly shares that people—especially young people—give her hope, and she would use a “climate stick” to push better solutions for the power and water impacts of large data/AI centers on marginalized communities. Website: rwscivicassociation.org. 00:00 Meet Amberly Dyer 01:40 Why an Earth Day Event 03:44 Plant Swap and Gardening 04:50 Cold Crops and Garden Hacks 06:56 Favorite Plants and Pest Battles 10:03 Community Engagement Advice 12:30 Gardens Build Community 16:45 Growing Earth Day Bigger 17:34 Native Plants and Local Partners 19:32 When Events Really Connect 21:07 Start Local Gatherings 25:20 Herbs And Gut Health 27:21 Heat Tolerant Varieties 29:23 Container Gardening Basics 33:26 Earth Day Every Day 35:16 Climate Stick Data Centers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. May 2

    Building Community & Growing Food w/ Sherryl Durrant

    Host Michelle Lewis talks with Sherryl Durrant, resident garden manager and community lead at Kelly Street Garden in the South Bronx, about her shift from corporate work to nearly 20 years in community gardening after the 2008 economic collapse and training at Farm School NYC. Sherryl describes Kelly Street Garden’s history tied to housing activism after the “decade of fire,” its small 8,000-square-foot footprint, and its programming around culturally relevant food, health, education, art, and mental wellness. She emphasizes learning from community knowledge, the politics of poverty, and practical advice for new growers—volunteer, learn from elders, and follow seasonal timing. They discuss youth transformation through gardening, collaborative growing that increased harvests from about 600 to nearly 1,800 pounds, a community apothecary of herbs, and Sherryl’s hope in collective community, plus her “climate wand” vision for greener, more livable cities. 01:28 From Corporate to Soil 04:23 Kelly Street Garden Origins 12:01 Advice for New Growers 15:28 Youth Transformation and STEM 20:02 Okra Love and Food Culture 20:50 Finding Hope in Community 23:21 Growing Together and Big Harvests 25:52 Climate Stick Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Mar 20

    Aisha Ellis on Food Sovereignty, and Growing Hope in Detroit

    Host Michelle Lewis interviews Aisha Ellis on Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis about D-Town Farm, an extension of the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network and a seven-acre urban farm in Detroit’s River Rouge Park operating on long-term city leases and farming about 2.5 acres since acquiring the former Meyers Nursery land in 2008. Ellis shares how concern about GMOs and feeding her young son led her to growing, and how she joined D-Town Farm through a 2013 internship after working as a dance teacher. She describes her start in the Food Warriors afterschool gardening program, teaching children to grow and taste fresh produce while learning how advertising shapes unhealthy food choices. Ellis frames farming as purpose, stewardship, and resistance, discusses challenges like pests, limited staff and reliance on volunteers, and highlights beehives, senior food distribution, a Harvest Festival around the equinox, and dbcfsn.org. She concludes with a “climate stick” vision of protecting a clean, healthy climate for everyone. 00:00 Welcome and Retreat Meet 01:16 D Town Farm Origins 02:49 Aisha Starts Growing 05:54 Food Warriors Kids Program 11:18 Why Farming Matters 13:13 Heat Waves and Harvest Joy 16:12 Favorite Crops and Pests 21:36 Volunteers and Farm Operations 23:37 Advice for New Growers 25:26 D Town Events and Support 27:27 Climate Stick Vision 28:57 Closing Thanks and Goodbye Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. 12/18/2025

    The Invisible Mammal: A Filmmaker's Journey to Bat Conservation

    In this episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' host Michelle Lewis interviews filmmaker Kristen Tièche about her film 'The Invisible Mammal,' which explores the lives of bats and the devastating impact of white nose syndrome. Kristen shares her journey from discovering bats as a graduate student to making a film aimed at raising awareness and love for these misunderstood creatures. The discussion covers the ecological importance of bats, the challenges they face from diseases and environmental changes, and the innovative conservation efforts like 'Operation Fat Bat.' Kristen also highlights the importance of individual actions in community conservation efforts and how people can support and screen her film. The episode ends with a thought-provoking discussion on using a hypothetical 'climate stick' to encourage sustainable transportation. Be sure to visit www.obxeff.com for more information on the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival. 00:36 Kristen's Journey to Filmmaking and Bats 02:38 The Impact of White Nose Syndrome 07:15 Raising Awareness and Love for Bats 09:26 Bats' Contributions to Ecosystems 13:41 Bat Rehabilitation and Conservation Efforts 25:14 Current and Future Projects 28:23 Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis 34:09 Conclusion and Where to Watch the Film Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. 12/04/2025

    LIVE from Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival w/ Susan J Robinson Director of “Building Bombs”

    Host Michelle Lewis introduces an episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis' recorded live at the Environmental Film Festival. Special guest Susan, a filmmaker and environmental advocate, discusses her film 'Building Bombs,' co-directed with Mark Mori, which examines the unethical and hazardous handling of nuclear waste at the Savannah River plant in South Carolina. Through a Q&A with Colin, they highlight the film’s relevance to current environmental and governmental issues as of 2025. Susan shares insights into the film’s production, updates on the cleanup efforts, and the shift in health studies from the Department of Energy to other agencies. She also emphasizes community engagement, the challenges in nuclear non-proliferation, and offers advice for aspiring filmmakers and community vetting of documentary projects. The episode underscores the importance of hope and activism in tackling environmental issues. 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:15 Susan's Background and Film Overview 01:09 Discussion on the Film's Impact 03:05 Audience Engagement and Reflections 05:31 Making of the Film 08:11 Updates on the Film's Issues 11:31 Film Restoration Process 13:57 Audience Q&A 17:20 Future Projects and Festival Insights Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. 11/21/2025

    Connecting Communities and Science: Insights from Dr. Valerie Johnson & Dr. Brian McAdoo

    In this comprehensive dialogue, Dr. Valerie Ann Johnson and Dr. Brian McAdoo discuss their extensive work in environmental justice, resilience, and the promotion of participatory science. Dr. Johnson, a scholar and activist, highlights her efforts with the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network and the importance of community involvement in science. Dr. McAdoo, an Associate Professor at Duke University, shares his journey from geology to disaster studies, emphasizing the significance of interdisciplinary approaches and local partnerships in addressing climate-related challenges. They touch upon the practical aspects of moving from conversations to actionable solutions, the power of storytelling, and the critical need for sustained community engagement and support. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by political and funding constraints in furthering environmental justice and In this engaging discussion, Dr. Valerie Ann Johnson and Dr. Brian McAdoo share their insights and experiences in the realms of health equity, environmental justice, and disaster resilience. Dr. Johnson discusses her long-term involvement with the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network and her work promoting community participation in science. Dr. McAdoo describes his journey from geology to focusing on the human impacts of natural disasters and emphasizes the importance of finding local partners for effective community engagement. They also address the balance between science and activism, the importance of educational outreach, and strategies for moving from discussion to actionable change in communities. 05:43 Dr. Valerie Ann Johnson's Journey in Environmental Justice 09:22 Dr. Brian McAdoo's Path to Geology and Environmental Justice 14:03 From Talk to Action: Making Real Change 22:46 Community Engagement and Participatory Science 34:31 Academic Exploitation and Indigenous Knowledge 35:34 Relinquishing Power in Documentary Filmmaking 36:47 Engaging Youth in Climate Change 38:00 Community Involvement and Social Work 43:02 Resilience in Disaster Response 47:10 Science Communication and Public Perception 54:49 Challenges in Climate Research and Funding Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. 11/13/2025

    Conversation on Conservation: LIVE at the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival

    In this episode, ranger Paul and artist Jeri Hilt engage in a comprehensive discussion on conservation, their experiences, and their respective impacts in different regions. Ranger Paul, from Jockey's Ridge State Park, outlines the North Carolina State Park system's goals in conservation, recreation, and education, emphasizing the importance of maintaining natural and cultural sites. Jeri Hilt shares her personal connection and conservation efforts related to the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana, emphasizing the intersectionality of cultural heritage and environmental preservation. The session explores themes such as the dual role of conservation in supporting ecosystems and human communities, the evolving nature of conservation approaches, especially against development pressures, and the necessity of restoring degraded environments. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of local and state conservation efforts in light of diminishing federal protections. 01:21 Meet the Panelists: Austin and Jeri 01:55 Overview of State Parks and Conservation Efforts 03:17 History and Significance of Jockey's Ridge 22:52 Conservation and Development: A Complex Relationship 27:29 Understanding Conservation Mindset 28:52 Pride in Local Identity and Resources 29:48 Conservation Challenges and Solutionst 31:28 Revitalizing Louisiana's Ecosystems 40:45 The Importance of Archival Work 47:32 The Role of State and Local Governments 52:14 Final Thoughts and Audience Questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In a world where climate change remains the most pressing issue threatening our global society, it can be hard to find hope, but this podcast aims to do just that. Host and Director of the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival, Michelle Lewis, community organizer, filmmaker, and professor, and public theologian has candid conversations with other artists, activists, and environmental leaders from around the world who are doing there part to spread awareness and hope in the midst of this crisis with their work. This is the official podcast of the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival. To learn more about the festival or to buy tickets to this years festival visit www.OBXEFF.com This is a Hermit House Original Podcast. This podcast was Executive produced by Colin Harden and Michelle Lewis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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