In Over My Head

Michael welcomes back Michael Maniates to talk about his new book, The Living-Green Myth: The Promise and Limits of Lifestyle Environmentalism, which questions the dominant narrative that individuals can make a significant environmental impact through their consumer choices and lifestyle changes. Michael explains why this myth persists, including some of the history behind the living-green myth. They also discuss strategies to think beyond our individual lifestyle choices to make real change, including Michael's list of seven new living-green ideas to help you make a difference. Michael Maniates is a former Professor of Social Science and former Chair of Environmental Studies at Yale-NUS College in Singapore. His teaching, research, and writing have focused broadly on environmental politics, sustainable consumption, and oppositional forces to transformative environmental governance. He has authored or co-authored five books and dozens of articles, opinion pieces, book chapters, and review essays. His recent work explored systems of sustainable consumption and production, social innovations for a low-growth/high-prosperity world, and the pitfalls and promise of conscientious consumption.Rethinking Growth Part 4: Higher Education (original conversation with Michael Maniates)

In February 2023, Michael traveled to the village of Myrnam, Alberta, to interview staff and students at New Myrnam School, learning all about the sustainability projects, including a school bus they were converting into a tiny house. He recently went back to see what they were up to now and what progress they had made on the "cool bus".Planet-saving Superstar: New Myrnam School (original episode)The Road to Myrnam Documentary

Michael chats with sculptor, performance artist, and sewist Arianna Richardson (aka The Hobbyist) who works with discarded plastic and craft materials to explore themes of consumerism, gendered labour, waste, and excess. They discuss her work, plastics' unique connection to consumerism, using art to engage the public in conversations about sustainability and waste, and more. Arianna Richardson's Website

Michael is currently off on another ocean adventure collaborating again with Memorial University. Through this project he had the opportunity to interview accomplished Seabird biologist Holly Hogan, discussing her book Message in a Bottle: Ocean Dispatches from a Seabird Biologist. This never-before-heard interview was so good, that Michael just had to share it with you. Message in a Bottle: Ocean Dispatches from a Seabird Biologist book

How is the Oldman watershed unique, why it is ecologically important, and how has our climate been changing in Alberta over the decades? In this episode, Michael explores some of the basics around the Oldman watershed, water security and climate adaptation. Featured Guests:Shannon Frank - Executive Director: Oldman Watershed CouncilStefan Kienzle - Professor Emeritus: University of Lethbridge

What is a riparian area and what role does it play in climate adaptation? How are lakes impacted by climate change? In this episode, Michael explores why riparian areas and lakes are important to the Oldman watershed.Featured Guests:Norine Ambrose - Executive Director: Cows & FishBradley Peter - Executive Director: Alberta Lake Management Society

What role does land management play in maintaining a healthy watershed? How are fish species affected by a changing climate and our various land uses? In this episode, Michael has some conversations about conservation in the Oldman watershed. Featured Guests:Philip Meintzer & Devon Earl - Conservation Specialists: Alberta Wilderness AssociationLorne Fitch - Professional BiologistJim Rennie - Angler & Citizen Scientist

How are businesses affected by concerns around water security in the Oldman Watershed? In this episode, Michael talks with three business owners who rely on water for their livelihood. He explores why water matters to them and how they plan to adapt to a changing climate. Featured Guests:Jim Lynch-Staunton - Rancher: Antelope Butte RanchDwight Perry - FarmerKelti Baird - Co-Founder & Managing Owner: Theoretically Brewing Co.

How has the Oldman watershed been developed over the centuries and were there any struggles along the way? In this episode, Michael explores the history of development in the Oldman watershed, including its significance to the Blackfoot people and its importance to settler communities. He also learns about the controversy around the construction of the Oldman River Dam. Featured Guests:Ninna Piiksii - Blackfoot ElderTyler Stewart - Curator: Galt MuseumStewart Rood - Environmental Science Professor: University of LethbridgeCliff Wallis - Director: Alberta Wilderness Association & Past President: Friends of the Oldman RiverCheryl Bradley - Friends of the Oldman volunteer

How is the City of Lethbridge planning to adapt to water security concerns in our changing climate and what can you do to have an impact? In this episode, Michael explores the future of water and climate adaptation in Lethbridge. He gets a tour of the water treatment plant, learns about the city’s climate adaptation strategy and gets some advice from past guests on what you can do to get involved.Featured Guests:Doug Kaupp - General Manager of Water and Wastewater: City of LethbridgeRaene Barber - Sustainability Engineer: City of LethbridgeShannon Frank - Executive Director: Oldman Watershed CouncilCliff Wallis - Director: Alberta Wilderness Association & Past President: Friends of the Oldman River

Michael learns all about the Oldman watershed, exploring how communities in Southern Alberta are impacted by concerns around water security related to climate change, and how they might adapt.

What was the motivation behind establishing Alberta Parks? Why is researching the history of provincial parks challenging, and should we include ordinary people in park history? Michael explores these questions with environmental historian Jessica DeWitt. She explains the unique reasons for creating Alberta Parks in the 1930s and the challenges with the first provincial parks including Aspen Beach. They discuss Fish Creek Provincial Park and the urban park movement in the 1970s, unintentional environmentalism and more.

What was prehistoric life like in Alberta 2.6 million years ago? What is the geologic significance of the provincial parks, and how can geology help us deepen our connection to the parks?Michael explores these questions with history and earth science educator, and author Cory Gross. They cover the unique geology of Castle Wildland Provincial Park, Kananaskis, Sheep River Provincial Park, Cypress Hills Provincial Park and more.Sandstone Prehistoric Safari's Website

What unique history is buried under Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park? What is it like leading your first archaeological dig? What makes Glenbow Ranch ecologically significant and why does it need to be protected?Michael explores these questions with archaeologist, historian, and author Shari Peyerl. Their conversation focuses on Shari's book, Alberta's Cornerstone Archaeological Adventures in Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. They cover the sandstone quarry of the 1900s, its significance to provincial buildings, Shari's 2017 excavation of the bunkhouse and more.Shari Peyerl's Website

What makes Miquelon Lake Provincial Park historically unique? What benefits do visitors get from their time at a provincial park? What is the history of park interpretation programs and why are they important today?Michael explores these questions with the University of Alberta's Glen Hvenegaard. They cover the history of Miquelon as a migratory bird sanctuary in the 1920s, its significance as a UNESCO biosphere and a dark sky preserve, the start of park interpretation programs in the 1960s and more.

Historically, what is the ecological significance of Kananaskis? What development concerns have arisen in the past, and what can people do to ensure this space is managed appropriately?Michael explores these questions with Executive Director of CPAWS Southern Alberta Katie Morrison. They cover the ecological recognition of Kananaskis in the 1940s, the establishment of the Kananaskis country concept in the 1970s, CPAWS involvement in challenging development projects in the 1990s, and more.CPAWS Southern Alberta Website

What is the significance of Áísínai'pi (Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park) to the Niitsítapi people? What is the role of policy in indigenous groups maintaining their spiritual connection to Áísínai'pi? How is the indigenous cultural understanding of heritage unique?Michael explores these questions with heritage management practitioner Camina Weasel Moccasin. They cover the park's establishment in the 1950s, the shift to the Blackfoot cultural connection in the 1970s, Camina's research around Blackfoot perceptions of heritage management of Áísínai'pi and more.

In this bonus episode, Michael chats with small business owner Heather Davis about Uplift Adventures, a Crowsnest Pass-based outdoor tourism company. Heather explains how Uplift Adventures got its start, the realities of running a small business in the parks, and the historical significance of the Crowsnest Pass. Lastly, Heather offers advice on how you can connect to nature in a meaningful way and what's next for her company.Uplift Adventures Website

Michael explores the unique and sometimes surprising history of Alberta Parks. He learns about Aspen Beach, Miquelon, Glenbow Ranch, Fish Creek, Castle Wildland, Aisinai’pi and more. You'll be inspired to protect our parks for the future by discovering their past.

Why do we need to have conversations and new narratives about small-scale fisheries, how we govern the ocean, and progress in marine conservation efforts?In this episode, Michael speaks with:Ratana Chuenpagdee, Memorial University, CanadaEvan Andrews, Memorial University, CanadaJack Daly, Oceana, CanadaOcean Frontier InstituteToo Big to IgnoreOceana Canada

Can coastal and ocean development happen without affecting the health of the ocean and marine ecosystems, and the economic viability and wellbeing of coastal communities? In this episode, Michael speaks with:Rob Stephenson, Fisheries and Oceans & University of New Brunswick, CanadaGerald Singh, University of Victoria, CanadaBrennan Lowery, Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre, CanadaJohn Norman, Mayor of Bonavista, CanadaOcean Frontier Institute

Equity and justice are fundamental principles, but do they exist in small-scale fisheries, especially related to access to resources, management and regulations, and from the historical perspective? In this episode, Michael speaks with:Paul Foley, Memorial University, CanadaEdith Samson, Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation, CanadaLil Saul, Fisherwoman, Twillingate, CanadaRyan, a fish harvester from Petty Harbour, CanadaOcean Frontier Institute

Fishing, fish processing and maritime work are risky occupations. What needs to be done to provide better protection, and enhance occupational health and safety for those involved? In this episode, Michael speaks with:Barb Neis, Memorial University, Canada Joel Finnis, Memorial University, Canada Desai Shan, Memorial University / Dalhousie University, CanadaOcean Frontier Institute

What is the future of small-scale fisheries, in Newfoundland and Labrador? Who’s going to fish? What will make people stay in the fisheries? What’s the vision of the communities for their own future? In this episode, Michael speaks with:María Andrée López Gómez, Memorial University, Canada / Center for Demographic Research, SpainRachael Cadman, Dalhousie University, Canada Dawn Mercer, DFO, CanadaOcean Frontier Institute

Ocean and coastal connections start at home, with youth, and in communities. In a time of big change – climate, demography, policy, what kind of transformation is needed? What’s the starting point? In this episode, Michael speaks with:Jan Negrijn, Coastal Connections, CanadaKimberly Orren, Fishing for Success, CanadaMonica Engel, Memorial University, Canadaand previous guestsOcean Frontier InstituteFishing for Success

Michael is off to St. John's Newfoundland to connect with the ocean and learn about why small-scale fisheries and governance matter to conservation and sustainability.

In Over My Head will take a short break until November to allow time to work on a big upcoming season. Listen to Michael’s message for a sneak peek of what’s coming.

Michael chats with the University of Geneva’s Marlyne Sahakian about rethinking growth and the good life. They focus the conversation around the book Consumption Corridors: Living a Good Life within Sustainable Limits and discuss why setting upper and lower consumption limits is so important. Marlyne explains the difference between human desires, needs and satisfiers. They touch on the normalization effect, the elusive goal of happiness, freedom, social lock-in, embracing enoughness, and the challenge of imposing constraints. Marlyne also shares some of her research around citizen action labs and changing normative assumptions. Lastly, she offers advice on what you can do to have an impact.Consumption Corridors BookDialogues ProjectWEFEL Cartoons

Michael chats with the University of Florida's Susan Paulson about the human side of rethinking growth. They discuss the problem of exploitation and inequality and how to make our system more equitable. Susan touches on the benefit of the commons including worker-run cooperatives and time-banks. They cover alternatives to GDP for measuring well-being such as the National Happiness Index. Susan stresses the importance of policy in making a change and shares her vision of what a good life looks like. Finally, she offers advice on what you can do to have an impact.

Michael chats with Yale-NUS College’s Michael Maniates about the role of higher education in rethinking growth. They talk about the connection between economic growth and post-secondary, and what a genuinely sustainable campus should prioritize. Professor Maniates highlights the importance of a university's adaptive function in a post-growth world and the power of research to advance human prosperity. He also links higher education to degrowth ideas such as reduced working hours, prosumerism, worker-owned businesses, and cooperatives. Lastly, Michael touches on tenure and offers advice on what you can do to have an impact.

Michael chats with Erasmus University Rotterdam's Julien-Francois Gerber about how debt impacts our ability to rethink growth. They discuss the relationship between credit and growth, and how debt affects the environment and us as people. Julien gives us a history lesson on why we traditionally borrowed money and brings to life past monetary alternatives like decaying money, social credit, and prosperity certificates. He also covers anti-debt conflicts, debtors unions, community alternatives to debt, and the role of shame in perpetuating debt. Lastly, he offers advice on what you can do to have an impact.

Michael chats with Concordia University’s Bengi Akbulut about the future of work in a world rethinking growth. They start by discussing Bengi’s Turkish heritage and critics of economic growth in the context of Turkey. Bengi talks about feminist engagement with degrowth including unpaid care labour and the gender distribution of work. They cover Universal Basic Income and Universal Basic Servies' role in redefining work. Lastly, Bengi touches on work-time reduction, work as identity and what you can do to make a difference.

Michael chats with the University of Vigo’s Mario Pansera about innovation's role in rethinking growth. They discuss his Post-Growth Innovation Lab's work, including their Prospera project. Mario talks about the myth of neutral technology and our social organization around technology. He also touches on ownership, class structure, the commons, and justice dimensions. Lastly, he offers advice on what you can do to have an impact. Post-Growth Innovation LabEl Tallar del Postcrecimiento (podast) The Postgrowth Workshop (podcast)

Growth - especially the green kind - is always good, right? But to actually solve the climate crisis perhaps we need to rethink our reverence for the gospel of growth. Starting Friday, May 5, over six weeks Michael explores degrowth and post-growth with experts from around the world. What do our work, education, money and life look like when we prioritize people and the planet over endless growth?

In this new segment, Michael explores the little everyday choices we make to lower our environmental impact. He talks to the University of Michigan's Shelie Miller about reusable kitchenware including straws, cutlery, coffee cups and sandwich bags to see if they're always more environmentally friendly than the single-use versions.

In this special edition of Planet-saving superstar, Michael takes a road trip to New Myrnam School east of Edmonton Alberta to see the sustainable building projects they have been working on over the last 6 years. From solar-powered golf carts to an off-grid Tiny House bus conversion, New Myrnam School is preparing their youth to be leaders in our low-carbon future. Michael chatted with staff, students, and parents to learn how these projects have benefited the school and the community. New Myrnam Project VideosInside Education

Michael briefly sat down with Kathleen Sheppard from Environment Lethbridge to reminisce about the inaugural episode, and chat about what Environment Lethbridge is up to now. Kathleen also offers advice on how to start talking about climate change with friends or family. In Over My Head WebsiteClimate Cafe

Michael speaks with the University of Oxford’s Sacha Altay all about misinformation and mistrust. Sacha covers why miscommunication happens, the challenge of conveying scientific information, and the importance of trust. He touches on the role of media, the challenge of changing our own opinions, and irrationality. They discuss online versus offline communication, beliefs, and what you can do to have an impact. In Over My Head WebsiteSacha Altay's Website

Michael speaks with the University of Groningen’s Linda Steg all about emotions. They discuss the connection between emotion and pro-environmental behaviour. She covers the role of identity and groups in predicting emotional reactions. Linda highlights how our biases factor in, and the influence of media. She stresses the importance of values and exposes some of our misperceptions about environmental psychology. Lastly, Linda offers advice on what you can do to have an impact.In Over My Head Website

Michael speaks with the University of Victoria’s Robert Gifford to discuss the Dragons of Inaction. Robert explains what these psychological dragons are and how his work started. They make their way through the lair, exploring the seven genera of dragons including limited cognition, social comparison, sunk cost, and ideology. Robert offers solutions to slay your dragons and what you can do to have an impact.In Over My Head WebsiteRobert Gifford's Website

Michael speaks with the College of Wooster’s Susan Clayton all about our mental health and climate change. They discuss climate anxiety, including who is most affected, its connection to inaction, and the role of media. Susan touches on climate change denial and the importance of identity and attachment to place. She highlights the connection to nature and well-being, as well as the value of social interactions, and human connection. Lastly, she offers advice on what you can do to have an impact.In Over My Head WebsiteSusan Clayton's Website

Michael speaks with Chris Bryant all about changing the culture when it comes to cultured meat. Chris covers what cultured meat is, and how people feel about it. They discuss the social barriers to accepting meat alternatives. Chris breaks down the psychological barriers as well, examining the diffusion of innovations, status quo, habit, cognitive dissonance, framing and more. They also tackle the role of media, identity, social norms and regulation. Lastly, Chris offers advice on what you can do to shift the culture. In Over My Head WebsiteChris Bryant's WebsiteAnimal Charity Evaluators

Michael talks with the University of Colorado Boulder’s Beth Osnes about how comedy motivates climate action. Beth describes her art and gets into the history of comedy in theatre through the ages. She takes us to her climate communication class, sharing her students' experiences doing stand-up and sketch comedy. Beth highlights effective types of comedy to convey climate information, including good-natured comedy. She talks about her musical Shine and the importance of telling authentic stories. Lastly, Beth celebrates the power of youth voices and offers advice on what you can do to have an impact. In Over My Head WebsiteBeth's WebsiteInside the GreenhouseEnacting Climate Website

Michael talks with experts from around the world about environmental psychology. From confirmation bias to cognitive dissonance, they'll be thinking deeply about all the ways our cognition hinders or helps climate change.

Michael chats with Alison Gu, who at the age of 24 became a Councillor for the city of Burnaby British Columbia. Alison talks about her journey into politics, and some of the important climate-related work she is doing. She also offers advice for anyone considering a political career.

Michael speaks with Steven Gonzalez about the human side of The Cloud. They cover the environmental impact of The Cloud and why it is so energy-hungry. Steven takes us on a journey to places like Printer's Row in Chicago, or Chandler, Arizona where the noise or water pollution from data centres is affecting these communities. He puts us in the shoes of the people running our data centres, and the demands it places on them. Steven eloquently describes the social and cultural aspects surrounding The Cloud and why storytelling is so important to making a positive change. Lastly, Steven offers advice on what you can do to have an impact. In Over My Head WebsiteThe Cloud is Material: On the Environmental Impacts of Computation and Data Storage

Michael speaks with Henrik Saetra about the role of Artificial Intelligence as it relates to the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. They discuss how AI can influence climate action, the double-edged nature of AI, Big Tech, and social inequality. Henrik touches on AI and the shifting of power, data colonialism, privacy as a public good, and AI ethics. They discuss the role of human imperfection in our digital life and abstaining from certain AI. Lastly, Henrik offers advice on what you can do to have an impact.In Over My Head WebsiteAI for the Sustainable Development Goals BookUN Sustainable Development Goals

Michael speaks with Tilman Santarius about making our world greener through digitalization. They focus on his latest book Smart Green World? Making Digitalization Work for Sustainability. Tilman explains the problem of add-on consumption of digitalization, rebound effects, radical digitalization and digital sufficiency. Michael and Tilman discuss the importance of getting sustainable apps out of the niche and into the mainstream. They cover decentralization, digital governance, and raising awareness of sustainable digitalization. Lastly, Tilman touches on digitalization and the good life, and what you can do to have an impact.In Over My Head WebsiteSmart Green World (German)Smart Green World (English)Digital Reset Report

Michael speaks with Ugo Vallauri, co-founder of The Restart Project, a UK-based charity that inspires and supports people to repair their digital devices. Ugo talks about what it's like to attend one of their restart parties and the exciting growth of the organization over the last decade. They discuss the environmental impact of the smartphone, and the importance of extending the life of our devices. Lastly, Ugo highlights the Right to Repair campaign, what you can do to make your devices last longer, and how to affect a larger change. In Over My Head WebsiteThe Restart Project

Michael speaks with Dr. Kelly Widdicks all about video streaming and our demand for data. She explains the findings of her study looking at household data demand in the UK and discusses media-multitasking, digital sufficiency, and streaming music through YouTube. She stresses the importance of putting pressure on data providers and explains the larger impact of ICT. They discuss efficiency and consumption, rebound effects, and what you can to do have an impact. In Over My Head WebsiteStreaming, Multi-Screens and YouTube: The New Unsustainable Way of Watching in The HomeThe Real Climate and Transformative Impact of ICT