The Climate Pod

‌

Episodes

‌

The Climate Pod

The Climate Pod is a wide-ranging conversation with leading experts on the politics, economics, activism, culture, science, and social justice issues at the heart of the climate crisis. Hear from guests like Jane Goodall, Bill McKibben, Al Roker, David Wallace-Wells, Katharine Hayhoe, Adam McKay, Bill Nye, Robert Bullard, Catherine Coleman Flowers, Ted Danson, Gina McCarthy, Paul Krugman, and many more. Hosted by Ty Benefiel. Opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own.

Episodes

Lobbying For A Price On Carbon (w/ Mark Reynolds of Citizens' Climate Lobby)

For many concerned with climate change, establishing a carbon fee is a step in the right direction when it comes to market-based solutions. Mark Reynolds of the Citizens' Climate Lobby argues that the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, a bill his group is pushing for in Congress, is a bipartisan way to do exactly that. Mark discusses the bill, his organization's goals, and even tells a few Don Cheadle and Bradley Whitford stories. Also, Chad the Bird is back to talk about the damaging de...

Aug 07, 2019•48 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast

Democrats Debate Climate! (w/ Emily Atkin of Heated)

Two more nights of debates! Democrats squared off for round two of the primary debates and the climate talk was...better, maybe? We review the climate discussion with Heated's Emily Atkin, who explains which candidates stood out, how these debates could be better, and what climate topics she hopes will be explored in the future. Emily rocks. This was a lot of fun. You can read Emily's piece on this week's debates here: https://newrepublic.com/article/154470/climate-change-finally-getting-attenti...

Aug 02, 2019•32 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast

Examining The Water Crisis (w/ Dr. Peter Gleick of Pacific Institute)

Dr. Peter Gleick is a world-renowned scientist, who co-founded the Pacific Institute, received the MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and received the 2018 Carl Sagan Prize for Science Popularization. As an expert on water and climate issues, Dr. Gleick joined the podcast to talk about the crisis we face, what needs to be done about it, and the importance of science in the public debate. You can follow Dr. Gleick at @PeterGleick on Twitter and le...

Jul 31, 2019•54 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast

Is Nuclear Power Necessary? (w/ Fmr Deputy Sec of Energy Daniel Poneman)

This week, we're joined by Daniel Poneman, former Deputy Secretary of Energy for President Obama and current President and CEO of Centrus Energy Corp, to talk about his book "Double Jeopardy, Combating Nuclear Terror and Climate Change." Daniel makes his case for why nuclear energy is necessary in 2019. As always, follow us @climatepod on Twitter and email us at theclimatepod@gmail.com. Our music is "Gotta Get Up" by The Passion Hifi, check out his music at thepassionhifi.com. Rate, review and s...

Jul 26, 2019•40 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast

How To Be A Climate Activist (w/ Sunrise Movement's Aracely Jimenez)

This week week we talk to Aracely Jimenez, digital media manager for the Sunrise Movement, to talk about the organization's goals, how they plan to push legislation forward and keep politicians accountable, and how you can help as a climate activist. It's a great conversation about an awesome organization. Ty and Brock also discuss that press conference by Democrats from the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday that was an odd mix of light promises and maybe comedy performance art. As ...

Jul 24, 2019•56 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast

Air Pollution's Nightmare Reality (w/ "Choked" author Beth Gardiner)

Beth Gardiner is the author of "Choked: Life and Breath in the Age of Air Pollution." In this episode, we talk to Beth about the shocking statistics she discovered on air pollution and the remarkable damage it's doing to public health. Beth explains why this is happening and the best way to start attacking this problem that causes 7 million premature deaths each year. And Chad The Bird is back with an essay on air pollution as well! As always, follow us @climatepod on Twitter and email us at the...

Jul 19, 2019•1 hr 4 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast

Who's Running the EPA? (w/ Rolling Stone's Andy Kroll)

This week, we talk to Andy Kroll, Washington D.C. bureau chief for Rolling Stone, about his feature story "The Shadow Cabinet: How a Group of Powerful Business Leaders Drove Trump's Agenda" and the impact the fossil fuel industry has had on the EPA. We also discuss possible investigations into the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and getting to know Jay Inslee. Ty and Brock also talk about the NYC blackout, the Climate Emergency resolution, and our newfound love for Rep. Earl Blumenauer. As always, foll...

Jul 17, 2019•43 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast

2020 Democrats on Climate, Trump's Environmental Speech and #TeamEndlessWinter (w/ Rebecca Leber, Katherine Hamilton and Connor Ratliff)

Three guests this week! First, Rebecca Leber (Mother Jones) recaps Trump's wild environmental speech on Monday and talks about the Green New Deal and Climate Debate! Next, Katherine Hamilton (The Energy Gang Podcast) helps us understand the issues that might define the 2020 Democratic Primary and what policies she hopes to see implemented! Finally, comedian Connor Ratliff (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Chris Gethard Show) explains #TeamEndlessWinter! As always, follow us @climatepod on Twitter ...

Jul 10, 2019•1 hr 20 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast

A Real-Life Account Of The Chernobyl Disaster (w/ Felicity Barringer)

In 1986, Felicity Barringer was freelancing for the New York Times in Moscow when the Chernobyl Disaster occurred. She recounts her experience from that time as an American journalist in the Soviet Union, talks about being followed by the KGB, and shares what she liked about the HBO miniseries' "Chernobyl" and what she believes it got wrong about the disaster. This is a fascinating conversation. Also, Chad The Bird delivers his weekly essay on Chernobyl. As always, follow us @climatepod on Twitt...

Jul 03, 2019•1 hr 2 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast

HBO's "Ice on Fire" (w/ Director Leila Conners)

This week, we review the new HBO documentary "Ice on Fire" and talk to director Leila Conners, who worked on this documentary with Leonardo DiCaprio and Thom Hartmann. Conners tells us why the group that made "The 11th Hour" got back together address climate change and innovation again. Then, our avian op-ed columnist, Chad the Bird warns us of the dangers of melting permafrost in his weekly essay. Follow us @climatepod on Twitter. Email us at theclimatepod@gmail.com Our music is "Gotta Get Up" ...

Jun 27, 2019•52 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast

The Power of Misinformation (w/ Amy Westervelt of "Drilled")

For decades, misinformation campaigns have effectively muddied the waters when it comes to Americans understanding the truth about climate change. We're joined this week by the creator and host of the Drilled podcast, Amy Westervelt, to talk about the origins of climate misinformation and how this still persists today. Also, our climate correspondent, Chad The Bird, delivers an audio essay on ExxonMobil. It's a great first show! Follow us on Twitter @climatepod Email us at theclimatepod@gmail.co...

Jun 19, 2019•56 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast