Climate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast

In this episode of Climate to Action, host Molly Saruwatari welcomes Dr. Roni Kay O’Dell, professor of political science at California State University San Marcos, for a conversation about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and their importance for climate action. Dr. O’Dell explains what the SDGs are, how they were developed through the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and why they matter as a shared global framework rather than just an international policy document. The episode also explores how governments, organizations, and diverse stakeholders helped shape the goals, and why inclusive global cooperation is essential in responding to climate change. Focusing on SDG 13, Climate Action, this conversation highlights the connections between climate, public health, migration, economic development, and global stability. Tune in to hear why meaningful climate action depends on working across nations, sectors, and disciplines—and why the SDGs continue to matter for building a more just and sustainable future.CREDITS Guest: Dr. Roni Kay O’DellHost: Molly Saruwatari Editor: Elden Cadena Social Media Content: Molly Saruwatari Music: Marios Panousos Faculty Advisor: Anne Dabb Climate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is advised by faculty from the Philosophy Department and the Environment Studies Program in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center and is recorded at Inspiration Studios on the campus of California State University, San Marcos.

In this episode of Climate To Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast, hosts Joce and Saturn speak with Scarlett, co-president of the Environmental Stewards Association (ESA), about building sustainability and climate action at CSUSM. Scarlett shares her environmental passions, explains ESA’s mission, and discusses how the club helps care for campus spaces like the pollinator garden. The conversation also explores how ESA shapes student experience, what gets students excited about climate justice, and how campus communities can be part of the solution. Tune in for inspiration, community-centered action, and a reminder that climate leadership can start right where you are.CREDITS Guest: Scarlett MoonHosts: Joceleen Oxley and Saturn SalamaEditor: Elden Cadena Social Media Content: Molly Saruwatari Music: Marios Panousos Faculty Advisor: Anne Dabb Climate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is advised by faculty from the Philosophy Department and the Environment Studies Program in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center and is produced at Inspiration Studios on the campus of California State University, San Marcos.

In this episode of Climate to Action, host Molly Saruwatari kicks off a new series spotlighting CSUSM students who are actively taking climate action—starting with guest Tyler Weinstock, an Environmental Studies major and intern at Plastic Beach, a local North County nonprofit.CREDITS Guest: Tyler WeinstockHost: Molly SaruwatariEditor: Elden Cadena Social Media Content: Molly Saruwatari Music: Marios Panousos Faculty Advisor: Anne Dabb Climate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is advised by faculty from the Philosophy Department and the Environment Studies Program in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center and is produced at Inspiration Studios on the campus of California State University, San Marcos.

In this episode, we dive into environmental literature and climate fiction (Cli-Fi) with Professor Dylan Winchock. We discuss what counts as ‘environmental lit,’ how stories can change how we think and act, and how Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake helps students grapple with the ethics of technology and climate justice. We unpack how literature differs from news and social media disaster narratives and explore how good stories can help us process feelings of dread and grief and move us from fear to agency. CREDITS Guest: Dylan Winchock Host: Saturn Salama Producers: Elden Cadena and Saturn Salama Editor: Elden Cadena Research & Script: Saturn Salama Social Media Content: Molly Saruwatari Music: Marios Panousos Faculty Advisor: Anne Dabb Climate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Philosophy Department and the Environment Studies Program in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is produced at Inspiration Studios on the campus of California State University, San Marcos.

CSUSM’s own Dr. Elizabeth Ridder joins us to talk about what first drew her to geography and conservation work and why the Mediterranean basin is such a vital—and vulnerable—hotspot for biodiversity and climate resilience. We explore what makes this region unique, the climate pressures it’s facing, and how her fieldwork connects to the bigger picture of global environmental change.From U.S. national parks to protected areas around the world, Dr. Ridder breaks down what funding cuts really mean on the ground and how conservation can support communities.CREDITS Guests: Dr. Elizabeth RidderHost: Molly SaruwatariProducers: Elden Cadena and Saturn Salama Editor: Elden Cadena Research: Molly Saruwatari and Saturn SalamaScript: Molly SaruwatariSocial Media: Molly SaruwatariMusic: Marios Panousos Faculty Advisor: Anne Dabb

Erika Rodriguez joins us to share the moment a Category 4 storm in Fiji pulled her into climate action—and how that experience helped spark San Diego Climate Week. We dig into what it takes to build a city-wide movement, how she measures success beyond a single week, and why her long-term hope is that someday, we won’t need a “Climate Week” at all! Tune in to hear why.Recorded live in the barn at Coastal Roots Farm in Encinitas during the inaugural San Diego Climate Week.CREDITS Guests: Erika RodriguezHosts: Molly Saruwatari & Saturn Salama Producers: Elden Cadena and Saturn Salama Editor: Elden Cadena Research: Molly Saruwatari & Saturn SalamaScript: Molly Saruwatari & Saturn SalamaSocial Media: Molly SaruwatariMusic: Marios Panousos Faculty Advisor: Anne Dabb Climate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Philosophy Department and the Environment Studies Program in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is produced at Inspiration Studios on the campus of California State University, San Marcos.

In this powerful episode, guests Amanda Subbish and Ivan Sam share Indigenous perspectives on climate resilience, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and environmental leadership in the San Diego region. From stories of adaptation to wildfire and drought, to reflections on cultural ceremony, language, and land stewardship, this conversation invites listeners to rethink what it means to live in respectful relationship with the Earth. Tune in for insights on tribal sovereignty, community partnerships, and a meaningful call to action rooted in Indigenous leadership.This episode was recorded with a live audience at the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon as part of the inaugural San Diego Climate Week.CREDITS Guests: Amanda Subbish and Ivan SamHost: Molly Saruwatari Producers: Elden Cadena and Saturn Salama Editor: Elden Cadena Research: Saturn SalamaScript: Molly Saruwatari and Saturn Salama Social Media: Molly SaruwatariMusic: Marios Panousos Faculty Advisor: Anne Dabb Climate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Environmental Studies Program and the Philosophy Department in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is produced at Inspiration Studios on the campus of California State University, San Marcos.

CREDITSGuest: Ashleigh SkarshaugHosts: Saturn SalamaProducers: Elden Cadena and Saturn SalamaEditor: Elden CadenaResearch: Saturn SalamaScript: Daphne NguyenMusic: Marios PanousosClimate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action andSustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Environmental StudiesProgram and the Philosophy Department in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral andSocial Sciences. Climate to Action is produced at Inspiration Studios on the campus ofCalifornia State University, San Marcos.

In this bonus episode of Climate to Action, host Alex talks with CSUSM chemistry professor Dr. Haleh Keshtkar about the principles and promise of green chemistry. They explore how this innovative approach rethinks chemical design to reduce harm to people and the planet. From biodegradable materials to safer solvents, Dr. Keshtkar explains how green chemistry can drive climate solutions—and shares an inspiring message for students ready to make a difference.CREDITS Guest: Dr. Haleh Keshtkar Host: Alex Sandoval Producers: Elden Cadena and Saturn Salama Editor: Elden Cadena Research: Abdul Majid Abdul Majid and Tyler Smith Script: Alex Sandoval, Molly Saruwatari, and Saturn Salama Social Media Content: CSUSM Graphic Design Club Music: Marios Panousos Climate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Environmental Studies Program and the Philosophy Department in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is produced at Inspiration Studios on the campus of California State University, San Marcos.Climate to Action is supported by a generous donation from the Rosemary Kraemer Raitt Foundation.

In this episode, hosts Molly and Alex talk with Rebecca Lewis, Scotland and Northern Ireland Manager for Buglife UK, about the power of citizen science in the fight against climate change. Rebecca shares how climate change is impacting invertebrates and the ecosystems they support, and how everyday people can take action through hands-on conservation. Listeners will learn about Buglife’s work, the role of insects in ecosystem resilience, and how to get involved—wherever they live. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Nicola Lewis Adegoke. CREDITS Guest: Rebecca Lewis Hosts: Alex Sandoval and Molly Saruwatari Producers: Elden Cadena and Saturn Salama Editor: Elden Cadena Research: Saturn Salama Script: Alex Sandoval and Saturn Salama Social Media Content: CSUSM Graphic Design Club Music: Marios Panousos Faculty Advisor: Anne Dabb Climate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Environmental Studies Program and the Philosophy Department in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is produced at Inspiration Studios on the campus of California State University, San Marcos.

In this inspiring episode, hosts Molly and Alex talk with Ali Mariko Dressel—climate justice advocate, performer, and marine conservationist—about the powerful role of art in the fight against climate change. Ali shares how performance, storytelling, and Indigenous knowledge can transform climate anxiety into connection, action, and healing. Tune in to hear how immersive theatre builds emotional resilience, why millennials are a key audience, and how creative expression can drive collective change.CREDITSGuest: Ali Mariko DresselHosts: Alex Sandoval and Molly SaruwatariProducers: Elden Cadena and Saturn SalamaEditor: Elden CadenaResearch: Saturn SalamaScript: Daphne NguyenSocial Media Content: CSUSM Graphic Design ClubMusic: Marios PanousosClimate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Environmental Studies Program and the Philosophy Department in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is produced at Inspiration Studios on the campus of California State University, San Marcos.

In this episode, Climate to Action host Alex talks with CSUSM chemistry professor Dr. Haleh Keshtkar about the basics of climate change. They cover key terms like global warming, greenhouse gases, and green chemistry, and explore how we can respond through mitigation and adaptation. Dr. Keshtkar also shares a hopeful call to action for students and listeners to make a difference.CREDITS Guest: Dr. Haleh Keshtkar Host: Alex Sandoval Producers: Elden Cadena and Saturn Salama Editor: Elden Cadena Research: Abdul Majid Abdul Majid and Tyler Smith Script: Alex Sandoval, Molly Saruwatari, and Saturn Salama Social Media Content: CSUSM Graphic Design Club Music: Marios Panousos Climate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Environmental Studies Program and the Philosophy Department in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is produced at Inspiration Studios on the campus of California State University, San Marcos.Climate to Action is supported by a generous donation from the Rosemary Kraemer Raitt Foundation.

Guest: MacKenzie Elmer, Voice of San Diego, and Kori Suzuki, KPBS Hosts: Saturn Salama and Alex Sandoval Producers: Elden Cadena and Saturn Salama Editor: Elden Cadena Research: Aritzel Melchor and Alondra Mendoza Script: Daphne Nguyen Social Media Content Creators: Yulissa Hernandez Aquino, Gabriella Peña Music: Marios Panousos Climate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Environmental Studies Program, the Philosophy Department, and the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is produced at the CSUSM Inspiration Studios.

CREDITS Guest: MacKenzie Elmer, Voice of San Diego, and Kori Suzuki, KPBSHosts: Saturn Salama and Alex SandovalProducers: Elden Cadena and Saturn SalamaEditor: Elden CadenaResearch: Aritzel Melchor and Alondra MendozaScript: Daphne NguyenSocial Media Content Creators: Yulissa Hernandez Aquino, Gabriella PeñaMusic: Marios Panousos Climate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Environmental Studies Program, the Philosophy Department, and the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is produced at the CSUSM Inspiration Studios.

CREDITSIntroduction by: Saturn SalamaHosts: Katie Brienen and Buchanan KiddProducers: Katie Brienen, Elden Cadena and Saturn SalamaEditor: Cristian Alvizo, Katie Brienen and Elden CadenaSocial Media Content Creators: Elden CadenaMusic: Marios PanousosClimate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Environmental Studies Program, the Philosophy Department, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is produced at the CSUSM Inspiration Studios.

CREDITS Guest: Adrienne Fusek, Director of In Good CompanyHosts: Kaiden Luna De La Fuente and Molly SaruwatariProducers: Elden Cadena and Saturn SalamaEditor: Elden CadenaResearch: Kaden CampbellScript: Briel Delaney, Mark Germundson, and Molly SaruwatariSocial Media Content Creators: Briel Delaney, Gabriella Peña, and Saturn SalamaMusic: Marios Panousos Climate To Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Environmental Studies Program, the Philosophy Department, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate To Action is produced at the CSUSM Inspiration Studios.

CREDITSGuest: CSUSM History Professor Ibrahim Al-MarashiHost: Alex SandovalProducers: Elden Cadena and Saturn SalamaEditor: Elden CadenaScript: Maira Lis Mendez and Daphne NguyenSocial Media Content Creators: Ene Angon, Marina Duran-Perez, Yulissa Hernandez Aquino, Natalie Mendez-Greenwood, Sage Minor, Gabriella Peña, Alex Sandoval, and Abigail Velasquez-GonzalezResearch: Abdul Majid Abdul MajidMusic: Marios PanousosClimate To Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Environmental Studies Program, the Philosophy Department, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate To Action is produced at the CSUSM Inspiration Studios.

Climate To Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is a new climate crisis podcast dedicated to climate action, Indigenous knowledge, and climate justice.LISTEN wherever you get your podcasts, follow us on IG and X, @ClimateToAction, and contact us at [email protected]'re excited to contribute to important climate discussions and action opportunities.CreditsHosts: Mayra Ramos, J.J. Sanchez, and Darby SwardGuest: CSUSM Professor Gabriel ValleProducers: Katherine Brienen, Marios Panousos, and J.J. SanchezEditors: Katherine Brienen, Marios Panousos, and J.J. SanchezMusic: Marios PanousosClimate To Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Environmental Studies Program, the Philosophy Department, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate To Action is produced at the CSUSM Inspiration Studios.

Climate To Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is a new climate crisis podcast dedicated to climate action, Indigenous knowledge, and climate justice.In episode 2, we visit with Rowdy Keelor, of New Roots Institute, to discuss the effects of factory farming on the environment, factory farmed animals, and global warming.LISTEN wherever you get your podcasts—and follow us on IG and X @ClimateToAction.We're excited to contribute to important climate discussions and action opportunities.CREDITSHosts: Anali Flores and Azaria MartinsGuest: Rowdy Keelor, New Roots Institute, www.newrootsinstitute.orgEditor: J.J. SanchezResearcher: Abdul Majid Abdul MajidMusic: Marios PanousosArt: Macaire SitesProducers: Michael J. Giles and J.J. SanchezClimate To Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Environmental Studies Program, the Philosophy Department, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate To Action is produced at the CSUSM Inspiration Studios.

Climate To Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is a new climate crisis podcast dedicated to climate action, climate justice and Indigenous knowledge.Join us for our first episode, "Climate Justice and Indigenous Knowledge," featuring our guest, Professor Dina Gilio-Whitaker.LISTEN wherever you get your podcasts—and follow us on IG and X @ClimateToAction.We're excited to contribute to important climate discussions and action opportunities.Contact us at [email protected]: Michael J. Giles and Macaire SitesGuest: Dina Gilio-Whitaker, author and CSUSM ProfessorEditor: J.J. SanchezResearcher: Abdul-Majid Abdul MajidProducers: Michael J. Giles and J.J. SanchezClimate To Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center. The podcast is advised by faculty from the Environmental Studies Program, the Philosophy Department, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate To Action is produced at the CSUSM Inspiration Studios.