On The Rise w/ Marcius Extavour

Marcius Extavour

On the Rise is a podcast about climate and the future—but not in the usual way. Across energy, technology, business, and culture, it features honest conversations with people building things, making decisions, and figuring out what actually works. Grounded, curious, and occasionally funny—a more human conversation about the future.

  1. 5d ago

    Copper is the New Cotton. Have We Learned Anything from Slavery?

    Bayeté Ross Smith returns to the show for part two. He and Marcius weigh exponential growth against exploitative extraction in the context of AI, clean energy, and computing technology. Will we learn the lessons from the dark side of the transatlantic Slave trade, and resource exploitation? Marcius and Bayete discuss the connection between Hip Hop  and other American music, why copper lithium and critical minerals may be the new cotton, sugarcane, and tobacco, and how to distinguish between cultural remixing and cultural appropriation. Let us know what you think at podontherise@gmail.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the themes of resource extraction and culture 02:15 The demand for metals and resource extraction in the modern era 04:07 Upsides and downsides of resource extraction and mining 05:19 Culture and music as resistance to extractive economics 07:01 The Boom Box project and its cultural significance 10:15 Why cotton, sugarcane, and tobacco are central to colonial history 12:17 Music genres as tools of resistance and their global impact 17:24 Bayeté Ross Smith’s public art projects around the world 23:27 Parallels between historical commodities and modern critical minerals 27:15 Recycling, circularity, and the sustainability of natural resources 36:23 Cultural participation, remixing, and intellectual property 45:56 AI as a tool for culture and its ethical considerations 51:39 The potential for AI to generate independent cultural works 56:36 Climate change, social justice, and historical inequities 58:35 Western progress, colonialism, and global inequities Resources: https://www.bayeterosssmith.com/ Keywords: resource extraction, culture, art, colonialism, music, AI, sustainability, cultural appropriation, climate change, technology Show Credits: Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/ Contact: podontherise@gmail.com On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

  2. Oct 13

    What Does Being Yourself Actually Mean? A Harlem Photojournalist's Lens on AI, Race, and Identity

    Our guest this week is Bayeté Ross Smith, a sculptor, photojournalist, and professor at NYU. Marcius and Bayeté explore how identity influences our social interactions, the impact of technology-- specifically AI-- on perception, and the future of imagination. They explore questions like "Who gets identified as an expert?" and "Who gets to imagine the future?" while grounding them in the real issues such as race, AI, and of course-- climate change. We hope you'll love this deep dive into who we are and how we are seen! Let us know what you think at podontherise@gmail.com Chapters: 00:00 Why Can't You Just Be Yourself? 00:44 What is Identity Politics? 07:00 Bayate's Work in Appearance, Identity, & Perception 09:16 What is DuBois' Double Consciousness? 15:25 What Does a Physicist Look Like? 16:32 Who Get's to Be An Expert? 20:35 How AI's and Machine's Perceive Humans 24:24 What Images Should We Use to Talk About Climate? 26:22 How Identity Shifts Across Asia, Africa, and Europe 30:37 Who Gets to Imagine the Future? 37:27 Knowing What You Don't Know 39:39 Outro and the Music of Claire Davis Resources: •Bayate's website: https://www.bayeterosssmith.com/  Keywords: identity, perception, expertise, code switching, AI bias, future imagination, social identity, art and society, climate imagery, cultural perception. Show Credits: Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/ Contact: podontherise@gmail.com On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

  3. Oct 6

    Are the Kids Alright? Flipping the Switch from Anxiety to Action

    This week we’re back navigating hard things with Laura Devlin, registered clinical psychologist and co-founder of Beaches Therapy. Marcius opens by sharing a difficult childhood memory - against his better judgement -  before he and Laura talk about kids and youth and the pressures they face in modern life, and the value of long-term thinking. They get into the psychological barriers to action, the impact of social media, and ways to foster collectivism and support future generations as antidotes to loneliness and anxiety. This episode features an honest, human, and cautiously optimistic take about the future. Let us know what you think at podontherise@gmail.com Chapters: 00:00 Symptoms of PTSD 00:58 Introduction to the Conversation 02:02 Exploring Existential Dread 02:16 Understanding Youth Pressures 02:43 Exploring Common Themes in Mental Health 04:13 The Pressure on Youth Today 09:45 Navigating Social Media and Beauty Standards 12:19 The Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health 16:23 Long-Term Perspectives in a Fast-Paced World 20:11 Barriers to Action in the Face of Existential Dread 25:14 The Role of Villains in Climate Action 29:38 Finding Common Ground for Change 34:28 Challenges in Accessing Therapy 37:11 The Fear of Change and Its Implications 41:47 Introduction and Community Dynamics 41:47 A Night at the Hollywood Bowl 45:54 Reflections on Community and Connection Resources:   •Laura's website: beachestherapy.ca - Charity: pennyspromise.ca - Laura's Instagram: @pennyspromisefund - Beaches Therapy: @beachestherapygroup - Laura's podcast: The Plot Twist Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0crHcr1Lf07pNOrtC25IdE?si=4c7bee2a0d5349af Keywords: mental health, community, generativity, trauma, climate anxiety, therapy, collective action, existential dread, social media, hope, children Show Credits: Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/ Contact: podontherise@gmail.com On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

  4. Sep 29

    How Does That Make You Feel? The Psychology of Tackling Big Scary Problems

    In this episode, registered psychotherapist and co-founder of Beaches Therapy Laura Devlin joins the show. She and Marcius explore how working on oneself can parallel tackling large societal issues like AI fears, war, politics, climate change, family strife, and the role of therapy, community, and emotional regulation in creating lasting change. Laura shares her journey from counselor to entrepreneur, what she misses about seeing clients day-to-day. Next they get into why working on oneself is so hard, but possibly a necessary step in tackling big hard scary problems. Let us know what you think at podontherise@gmail.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to addressing hard problems through psychology 02:10 Marcius's background in tackling complex issues 03:08 The value of emotional and community tools in problem-solving 05:16 The impact of burnout and interdisciplinary approaches 06:31 Introducing Laura Devlin and her work in therapy 08:23 Transition from one-on-one therapy to community and self-work 10:18 The therapeutic process and understanding therapy modalities 13:41 Therapy 101: How therapy works and what to expect 18:32 The therapy roadmap and active ingredients in therapy 21:24 Common misconceptions about therapy and emotional work 23:20 The importance of feelings, processing, and self-awareness 26:24 The role of trauma and the limbic system in healing 27:12 Time and patience in emotional healing 30:34 Themes in community mental health and current struggles 32:25 The impact of global crises on mental health 34:43 Climate anxiety and collective emotional responses 36:45 Different fears related to climate change and environmental loss 41:25 Existential dread and feelings of helplessness 43:41 The human need for connection and attachment 44:53 Loneliness, social connection, and modern life 54:24 Challenges of collective action and community organization 55:56 Hope for community-driven solutions and social change 56:56 Reflections on the conversation and personal reactions Resources: * Website: beachestherapy.ca * Instagram: @beachestherapygroup * Laura's podcast: The Plot Twist Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0crHcr1Lf07pNOrtC25IdE?si=4c7bee2a0d5349af * Charity: pennyspromise.ca Keywords: psychology, therapy, emotional health, climate change, community, hard problems, mental health, healing, therapy roadmap Show Credits: Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/ Contact: podontherise@gmail.com On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

  5. Sep 22

    LIVE From New York! Midnight Takes from Climate Week

    Marcius and producer Vish are live from New York City, Climate Week 2026. Thousands of people from around the world have descended on the city that never sleeps to talk environmental justice, energy, finance, politics, technology, activism, and AI's role in climate solutions. Marcius and Vish meet up in a hotel lobby late on a Monday night to share insights from the day's events, and the key themes and vibes on the ground so far. Let us know what you think at podontherise@gmail.com Chapters: 00:21 Introduction to New York Climate Week 00:43 What Is New York Climate Week and Who Cares? 02:28 Navigating the Chaos of Climate Week 05:36 Highlights of New York Climate Week Day 1 05:45 Highlights and Insights from Events 09:12 Understanding Environmental Justice 10:53 The Legacy of Environmental Justice 13:08 Connecting Public Health and Environmental Issues 16:29 Public Health Is Part of the Climate Conversation 19:44 Networking and Policy Discussions at Dinner 21:08 Insights from Legislators on Climate Policy 23:34 Planning for the Future of Climate Policy 25:24 Connecting Climate Solutions to Immediate Needs 26:45 The Intersection of AI and Climate Policy 31:15 Urgency in Addressing AI vs. Climate Change 34:50 Why Act on AI but Not on Climate? 35:16 The Role of National Security in Climate Action 41:07 The Future of Climate Action Amidst Immediate Crises Keywords: Climate Week, environmental justice, AI and climate, policy planning, climate solutions, New York, climate justice, data centers, public health, climate policy Show Credits: Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/ Contact: podontherise@gmail.com On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

  6. Sep 15

    Art, Justice & Local Climate Action in Queens, NY

    We're on the streets of Jackson Heights, Queens in New York this week! Marcius and Vish talk to artists, organizers, and participants at Make Justice Normal's Streetworks Festival about how they connect art and justice with climate change. If you want to learn more about how you can actually help with climate change then this episode will provide you with plenty of inspiration. There's an infinite number of ways to participate in this movement and we we're so lucky to chat with just a few of the many people who are showing what's possible! Let us know what you think at podontherise@gmail.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:02 How are Art & Justice Connected to Climate? 07:34 Art as a Medium for Climate Action 09:21 Flood Sensors and Local Climate Adaptation 11:52 The Role of Mushrooms and Indigenous Knowledge 14:10 Participatory Art as a Climate Engagement Tool 15:46 It Takes a Village 17:53 Why Does Climate Feel So Abstract? 19:00 Why Is Climate So White? 30:58 Climate Comms: Do We Need to Try Something Different? 43:50 Bridging Art & Climate Justice Episode credits: Stefano Dozza, videography & editing | https://www.fourthact.xyz/ Keywords: climate justice, art, community engagement, environmental activism, cultural diversity, climate solutions, storytelling, intersectionality, climate equity, grassroots activism On The Rise w/ Marcius Extavour is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026. Show Credits: Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/ Contact: podontherise@gmail.com On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

  7. Sep 8

    Bombs, Black Holes, or Bountiful Energy: Nuclear Fusion in the Real World

    In Part 3 of this Fusion mini-series, Dr. Annie Kritcher and Marcius explore the future of fusion energy, its potential impact on society, safety concerns, and the importance of public engagement. Annie shares her insights how responsible innovation plays a key role in scientific breakthroughs.  Let us know what you think at podontherise@gmail.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Fusion and Public Perception 01:06 Fusion's Transition from Science to Society 02:24 Fusion and the Future Energy Landscape 03:12 Balancing Innovation with Risks 05:02 Meet Annie Kritcher: Scientist and Innovator 06:05 Why We Care About Fusion Energy 07:15 Advantages of Fusion Over Other Energy Sources 08:53 Fusion Fuel and Environmental Impact 10:02 Fusion in the Context of Global Energy Mix 12:16 Could Fusion Become the Dominant Power Source? 13:37 Challenges and Risks in Fusion Development 15:49 Managing Dual-Use Technologies and Risks 20:10 Regulatory and Safety Frameworks for Fusion 22:37 Public Fears and Misconceptions about Fusion 24:26 Public Interest and Engagement Strategies 27:39 Fusion's Role in Climate Change Mitigation 37:40 The Future of Fusion and Inertia's Role 38:35 Long-Term Vision for Fusion Energy  Keywords: fusion energy, nuclear science, energy transition, public safety, scientific breakthroughs, climate change, energy technology, fusion power, science communication, innovation Show Credits: Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/ Contact: podontherise@gmail.com On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

On the Rise is a podcast about climate and the future—but not in the usual way. Across energy, technology, business, and culture, it features honest conversations with people building things, making decisions, and figuring out what actually works. Grounded, curious, and occasionally funny—a more human conversation about the future.

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