State of Water

State of Water
State of Water

A podcast focusing on clean water issues and their relationship to policy, equity, community and climate.

  1. Ep 51 - Tom Grotewohl

    2 DAYS AGO

    Ep 51 - Tom Grotewohl

    BREAKING NEWS episode with Tom Grotewohl of Protect the Porkies. "Good news!! Thanks to good old fashioned people powered organizing, the $50M grant to Copperwood Mine has been blocked. I spoke with Tom, the wizard of Protect the Porkies, immediately after the news broke, at the end of an epic and unprecedented year of environmental organizing. We salute you. Lake Superior, we thank you for inspiring us to action." -State of Water host, Seth Bernard Visit https://protecttheporkies.com/ to learn more about this grassroots effort! Find the full video of this episode and all 2024 State of Water episodes on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MICleanH2O State of Water is the official podcast of the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan, a program of Title Track. https://titletrackmichigan.org/state-of-water-podcast/ EPISODE 51 Tom Grotewohl interviewed by Seth Bernard

    42 min
  2. Ep 50 - Becca Meuninck

    OCT 2

    Ep 50 - Becca Meuninck

    We’re thrilled to welcome Becca Meuninck, Regional Executive Director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Regional Center. In this wonderful conversation with State of Water host Seth Bernard, we hear about (3:30) NWF’s current efforts across the region advocating for clean water for people and wildlife collaborating with a broad coalition of organizations and communities across the region. (5:30) Becca shares about how her love for the outdoors has inspired and informed her own educational and vocational path, having worked for more than 20 years at the Ecology Center which included time working with residents and families impacted by PFAS and lead poisoning. (13:05) She speaks to the importance of collaboration in taking on the many challenges in environmental work and how many people and organizations working together can maximize impact and reduce a sense of overwhelm. (21:30) Becca reflects on how growing up in Michigan in a family of nature lovers has nurtured a connection to the environment and how that has continued to sustain and inspire her. (27:40) Finally, she shares how people can get involved in NWF’s efforts including urgent efforts to address climate change, to shut down Line 5, to grow access to renewable energy, and to support solutions to protect Great Lakes fisheries. Learn more about how you can support National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Center at: https://www.nwf.org/Great-Lakes We encourage you to to also check out our new podcast, Eminazhichiget, which translates in Anishinaabemowin to “person who does good things for others.” This new program celebrates Anishinaabek leaders by uplifting their efforts by providing a snapshot into their work and lives. Learn more and listen in or watch: https://titletrackmichigan.org/eminazhichiget/ Find the full video of this episode and all 2024 State of Water episodes on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MICleanH2O /// EPISODE 50 / Becca Meuninch interviewed by Seth Bernard / Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus and Chris Good / Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Angela Gallegos, Rachel Marco-Havens / Graphic by Chris Good / Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus / Featured Music - “Homestretch” by Ecotone and “Authors (instrumental demo)" by Dan Rickabus

    34 min
  3. Ep 49 - Sean McBrearty

    JUL 25

    Ep 49 - Sean McBrearty

    We’re honored to welcome Sean McBrearty to State of Water. Sean is the Political Director for Clean Water Action and the Campaign Manager for Oil & Water Don't Mix. (3:20) Sean shares an update on the Nessel vs Enbridge case as well as current calls to action in the ongoing fight to Shut Down Line 5 including an invitation for folks to join upcoming events on July 25 or August 31 and a new effort urging Secretary Pete Buttigieg to take action on Line 5. (13:50) Sean also provides an election season update on efforts in the works in Lansing, including a water affordability bill, polluter pay bill, an effort by the Taking Back our Power Coalition to stop regulated utilities and government contractors from spending $ in politics, (23:00) and the first round of State House candidate endorsements for this year’s elections. (28:25) Finally, Sean and fellow musician State of Water host Seth Bernard go deep into reflecting how the creative outlet of music can serve as a grounding force to relax, inspire, and nurture the persistence, discipline, and improvisational spirit needed to be a successful activist. Take action and support Oil & Water Don’t Mix: https://www.oilandwaterdontmix.org/take_action and Clean Water Action Michigan: https://cleanwater.org/states/michigan As we approach our 50th episode of State of Water, we invite you to please consider supporting our efforts with a donation. As a grassroots nonprofit organization our sustainability depends on people like you joining our donor community by making a financial contribution. Know that every donation is meaningful and tax-deductible! Thank you so much! https://titletrackmichigan.org/support/ Find the full video of this episode and all 2024 State of Water episodes on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MICleanH2O /// EPISODE 49 / Sean McBrearty interviewed by Seth Bernard / Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus and Chris Good / Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Angela Gallegos, Rachel Marco-Havens / Graphic by Chris Good / Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus / Featured Music - “Homestretch” by Ecotone and “Authors (instrumental demo)" by Dan Rickabus

    41 min
  4. Ep 48 - Chris Treter

    JUL 17

    Ep 48 - Chris Treter

    We are thrilled to welcome Chris Treter, owner and co-founder of Higher Grounds Trading Company to State of Water. State of Water host Seth Bernard invites Chris to go on a journey through time, (4:40) back to the 1990s and the formative events of the Zapatista uprising in Chiapas, Mexico and the WTO protests in Seattle - both moments of people standing courageously against neoliberal economic policies. (11:58) In 2002 Higher Grounds was born in Chiapas as Chris lived and worked with coffee farmers, rooted in a model of solidarity economics not only about trade but taking into account the well-being of all trading partners. (14:30) From there, the conversation travels back to Michigan as Chris and Higher Grounds find deep community in Traverse City and then back again to (19:55) Chiapas with the launch of the Chiapas Water Project which provided important access to clean water for farmers and communities. (26:10) As Higher Grounds started building relationships with coffee farmers in other regions of the world, they carried the same ethics and values - to be in solidarity and collaboration with their growers and communities. (28:20) Seth and Chris share memories of their Run Across Ethiopia - where runners ran 10 marathons in 10 days and raised over 1/2 million dollars to invest in local communities. Through storytelling, athletics, activism, and the arts, Chris and Higher Grounds have continued to be a force for creating change and building meaningful relationships in the communities that they were sourcing their coffee. (36:45) We travel back to Michigan and hear about the new Common Grounds Cooperative in Traverse City - a real estate development cooperative that has quickly become a hub of arts, culture, and collaboration - a vision of community by the community. (46:15) Finally, Chris shares some powerful thoughts on clean water and peace making and how we in Michigan hold a unique opportunity to be protectors of a future peace that cares for water in a fair, equitable, and peaceful way. Learn more about Higher Grounds at: https://www.highergroundstrading.com/ Learn more about Higher Ground’s nonprofit partner On the Ground at: https://www.onthegroundglobal.org/ Find the full video of this episode and all 2024 State of Water episodes on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MICleanH2O /// EPISODE 48 / Chris Treter interviewed by Seth Bernard / Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus and Chris Good / Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Angela Gallegos, Rachel Marco-Havens / Graphic by Chris Good / Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus / Featured Music - “Homestretch” by Ecotone and “Authors (instrumental demo)" by Dan Rickabus

    52 min
  5. Ep 47 - Stella Young

    MAY 15

    Ep 47 - Stella Young

    We’re thrilled to welcome Stella Young to State of Water. Stella is the Director of Development for On the Ground Global who partners with coffee farmer communities to improve standards of living through a variety of projects in support of clean water, gender equity, and cooperative economics. (4:00) Stella shares some of the On the Ground origin story and (6:50) how their commitment to fair trade and cooperative economics supports their efforts to seek true partnership with their farmers. (8:20) Stella reflects on the foundational importance for people to have access to clean water and (11:28) how formative her lifelong involvement with On the Ground has been - from trips to Chiapas as a 6 year old and Ethiopia as a 10 year old to being a board member as a teen where she initiated a scholarship fund for students in Congo. (19:50) Stella gives updates on On the Ground’s current projects in the Congo and Chiapas and (25:40) reflects on the importance of On the Ground’s arts and culture work including the lasting impact of the musical ambassadorship program and the film “The People & the Olive,” filmed during On the Ground’s trip to Palestine. Finally, (32:00) Stella shares how this full circle opportunity to work for On the Ground meets her interests and experiences and (35:20) how State of Water listeners can support and engage On the Ground’s work. Learn more about On the Ground at: https://www.onthegroundglobal.org/ Find the full video of this episode and all 2024 State of Water episodes on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MICleanH2O As part of Title Track’s 5th anniversary, we have an active fundraiser going online to support our ongoing efforts supporting clean water, racial equity, and youth empowerment. Any support is appreciated! https://titletrackmichigan.org/support/ /// EPISODE 47 / Stella Young interviewed by Seth Bernard / Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus and Chris Good / Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Angela Gallegos, Rachel Marco-Havens / Graphic by Chris Good / Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus / Featured Music - “Homestretch” by Ecotone and “Authors (instrumental demo)" by Dan Rickabus

    39 min
  6. Ep 46 - Jane Fitkin

    APR 10

    Ep 46 - Jane Fitkin

    Jane Fitkin is the Director of Citizens for a Safe & Clean Lake Superior (CSCLS), (3:00) an organization created by local residents passionate about protecting the Lake Superior watershed. (3:30) Jane shares about the recent success story of their Stop the Rocket campaign which effectively mobilized grassroots opposition to the deeply flawed space port project that was proposed to be built on the shore of Lake Superior. (11:00) Jane also gives an update on current initiatives that the organization is focusing on including wetlands advocacy, as CSCLS lifts up the importance of wetland ecosystems to the health and well-being of Marquette County communities. (17:20) CSCLS is also active in resisting other corporate and governmental threats to the Lake Superior watershed such as the expansion of the Tilden Mine. (26:40) We get to hear a bit of Jane’s personal story, what drives her passion and commitment to this work, (43:50) and some of her favorite places to be on the Lake Superior shoreline. (46:08) Finally, Jane shares how you can get involved and support Citizens for a Safe & Clean Lake Superior. You can learn more about Citizens for a Safe & Clean Lake Superior at: https://citizensforsuperior.org/ /// EPISODE 46 / Jane Fitkin interviewed by Seth Bernard / Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus and Chris Good / Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Angela Gallegos, Rachel Marco-Havens / Graphic by Chris Good / Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus / Featured Music - “Homestretch” by Ecotone and “Authors (instrumental demo)" by Dan Rickabus

    51 min
  7. Ep 45 - Maryann Lesert

    APR 2

    Ep 45 - Maryann Lesert

    We’re thrilled to welcome author, activist, playwright, and teacher, Maryann Lesert, to State of Water. (3:30) Maryann shares about the inspiration behind her new novel, Land Marks, which will be published on April 16. All pre-order sales go to support Title Track and our Water Protector’s Training Camp program! (7:27) Land Marks is the culmination of more than 2 years of research where Maryann visited all of the fracking sites across Michigan and reflects the powerful personal stories and sensory experiences of those who live near frac well sites and (12:25) the possibilities that emerge when creative locals and committed activists join efforts. (20:10) Maryann and State of Water host, Seth Bernard, reflect on the importance of storytelling in creating meaningful cultural change. (25:00) Maryann talks about her writing process and how her experience as a playwright and a teacher inform her fiction writing, creating characters that embody the heaviness and grief present for many in this moment while retaining a spirit of hope and determination to work for positive change. (33:10) Seth and Maryann discuss the importance of nurturing intergenerational community; (36:55) the essential role that artists, writers, musicians, and creative practitioners play;and (41:30) how meaningful it is for each of us to find our unique voice and do our part for the sake of the common good. (44:35) Maryann shares about her previous novel, Base 10, which is also based in Michigan and (47:20) discusses the current threat of fracking in Michigan. Order Maryann Lesert's new novel, “Land Marks” at: https://bookshop.org/shop/maryannlesert. /// EPISODE 45 / Maryann Lesert interviewed by Seth Bernard / Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus and Chris Good / Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Angela Gallegos, Rachel Marco-Havens / Graphic by Chris Good / Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus / Featured Music - “Homestretch” by Ecotone; “Authors (instrumental demo)" by Dan Rickabus; and “Let Love Land” by Max Lockwood

    1h 11m
  8. Ep 44 - Tom Grotewohl

    MAR 19

    Ep 44 - Tom Grotewohl

    We’re happy to welcome Tom Grotewohl of Protect the Porkies, who are organizing against the development of the Copperwood Mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Tom shares about the (4:40) launch of Protect the Porkies and describes what’s at stake with this boom and bust project if allowed to move forward including environmental damage to Lake Superior, ground water, local wildlife, old growth forest and the pristine Porcupine Mountain State Park. (9:10) Protect the Porkies is encouraging people to sign their online petition in opposition of the Copperwood Mine and to help spread the word on this grassroots organizing effort. (10:40) Tom shares background on Highland Copper, (16:00) discusses the importance of grassroots organizing to hold corporations and policy makers accountable, and (21:25) shares calls to action related to the proposed $50 million grant of Michigan taxpayer dollars that the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) is considering awarding the energy company. (29:48) Tom shares some of his own background including what drew him to move to the Upper Peninsula and what inspired him to get involved in this effort. (36:40) Finally, Tom shares encourage State of Water listeners to raise their voices and contribute their own creativity and commitment to this Protect the Porkies effort. Visit https://protecttheporkies.com to learn more about current calls to action and to sign the petition opposing Copperwood Mine. Sign up contribute a public comment to the Michigan Strategic Fund’s public comment session on March 26th at 10am (in-person in Lansing or virtually). You can get all the info about attending, pre-registering a virtual comment, or submitting a comment of opposition via email at https://www.michiganbusiness.org/about-medc/michigan-strategic-fund/public-comment/ Protect the Porkies are also hosting a virtual town hall this Saturday, March 23 at 11am where you can get more campaign updates. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpcOCrqTMjHdf5LigSt0aKNbDCB1p-S5l-? This proposed metallic sulfide mine would be the closest to Lake Superior in history as well as bordering the North Country Trail and Porcupine Mountain State Park - which is not only the largest State Park in Michigan, it is the largest designated Wilderness Area in mainland Michigan with 40,000+ acres of designated Wilderness including 35,000 acres of old growth forest which is the largest tract of mixed coniferous-deciduous old growth remaining in the Midwest. It was recently ranked as "most beautiful State Park in the country." /// EPISODE 44
 / Tom Grotewohl interviewed by Seth Bernard / Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus and Chris Good / Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Angela Gallegos, Rachel Marco-Havens / Graphic by Chris Good, Photos courtesy of Tom Grotewohl / Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus / Featured Music - “Homestretch” by Ecotone; “Authors (instrumental demo)" by Dan Rickabus; and “La Nana de la Loba” by Maple Moon

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

A podcast focusing on clean water issues and their relationship to policy, equity, community and climate.

Information

  • Creator
    State of Water
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2024
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    State of Water

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