Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis
In a world where climate change is the most pressing issue, this podcast aims to find hope. Host Michelle Lewis, director of the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival, has candid conversations with artists, activists, and environmental leaders who spread awareness and hope through their work. It is the official podcast of the festival and a Hermit House Original.
Episodes
From the Sound to the Sea: Wild Horses, Community, and Conservation in Corolla w/ JJ Zink
Host Michelle Lewis interviews JJ Zink, producer and co-writer of the documentary From the Sound to the Sea, screening at the 2026 Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival (Nov. 5–7 in Manteo, North Carolina). Zink explains how the film began as a National Geographic: The Class project and evolved into a year-long production about Corolla’s wild horses and the surrounding community, emphasizing env
Talking Fungi w/ Filmmaker Josh Thompson
Michelle Lewis interviews filmmaker Josh Thompson about his documentary Kingdom Fungi, profiled for the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival 2026. Thompson explains how a hobby for fungi foraging in England’s ancient woodlands led him to connect with mycologists and artists, expand from planned social media shorts into a self-funded feature, and document expeditions and partnerships including t
Prin is Back with Sanctuary of the Leatherbacks: Filmmaker Prin Uthaisengchai
On Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis, host Michelle welcomes back Thai filmmaker and conservationist Prin Uthaisengchai, a previous Best International Film winner, to discuss his new documentary sequel, Sanctuary of the Leatherbacks. Prin explains the film focuses on leatherback turtle habitat and nesting areas in Thailand and highlights the urgent need to address climate change and reduce ocean
Mountain Biking Through Sacred Land: Tourism, Indigenous Communities & Hope w/ Rob Holmes
Host Michelle Lewis talks with filmmaker Rob Holmes, director of Mountain Biking Through Sacred Land, selected for the 2026 Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival. Holmes explains how his company GLP Films aims to make tourism a “force for good” by telling authentic, impact-driven stories that educate travelers and support local, especially Indigenous, communities. The film focuses on the Mapuche
The Tree Economy: Atlanta’s Vanishing Canopy w/ Filmmaker James Schroeder
Host Michelle Lewis interviews filmmaker James Schroeder about his film The Tree Economy, featured at the 2026 Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival. Schroeder explains how living in Atlanta for nearly 30 years inspired the film as the city’s tree canopy is increasingly lost to development, including a beloved stretch of trees clear-cut for a self-storage facility. He discusses balancing tree pr
Lis Cohen on Building the Talking Climate Collaborative
Host Michelle Lewis interviews Lis Cohen of the Talking Climate Collaborative, a new effort led by Dr. Katharine Hayhoe and Bernadette Woods Placky to amplify climate communicators and connect people across disciplines—faith, health, nonprofits, and business—with practical communication support and accessible scientific information. Cohen describes early growth including a website, community-build
Extreme Heat: Humidity, Hot Nights, and Staying Safe w/Ashley Ward
Michelle talks to Ashley Ward, director of Duke University’s Heat Policy Innovation Hub, to discuss why extreme heat has been overlooked and how it is changing, especially in the Southeast. Explore Ashley Ward’s work at Duke’s Heat Policy Innovation Hub and push local leaders and organizations to prioritize heat safety, affordability, and infrastructure resilience now.03:07 How Ashley Got Into Hea
Plant Swaps, Native Plants & Climate Hope with Amberly Dyer
Host Michelle Lewis interviews Amberly Dyer of the Rodanthe Waves and Salvo Civic Association about their fourth annual Earth Day event in Rodanthe, which began as a free, neighbor-connecting plant swap tied to litter pickup and has grown to include live music, community organizations, master gardeners, native plant giveaways from a regional grower, and a low-cost raffle—while avoiding vendors to
Building Community & Growing Food w/ Sherryl Durrant
Host Michelle Lewis talks with Sherryl Durrant, resident garden manager and community lead at Kelly Street Garden in the South Bronx, about her shift from corporate work to nearly 20 years in community gardening after the 2008 economic collapse and training at Farm School NYC. Sherryl describes Kelly Street Garden’s history tied to housing activism after the “decade of fire,” its small 8,000-squar
Aisha Ellis on Food Sovereignty, and Growing Hope in Detroit
Host Michelle Lewis interviews Aisha Ellis on Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis about D-Town Farm, an extension of the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network and a seven-acre urban farm in Detroit’s River Rouge Park operating on long-term city leases and farming about 2.5 acres since acquiring the former Meyers Nursery land in 2008. Ellis shares how concern about GMOs and feeding her yo
The Invisible Mammal: A Filmmaker's Journey to Bat Conservation
In this episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' host Michelle Lewis interviews filmmaker Kristen Tièche about her film 'The Invisible Mammal,' which explores the lives of bats and the devastating impact of white nose syndrome. Kristen shares her journey from discovering bats as a graduate student to making a film aimed at raising awareness and love for these misunderstood creatures. The
LIVE from Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival w/ Susan J Robinson Director of “Building Bombs”
Host Michelle Lewis introduces an episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis' recorded live at the Environmental Film Festival. Special guest Susan, a filmmaker and environmental advocate, discusses her film 'Building Bombs,' co-directed with Mark Mori, which examines the unethical and hazardous handling of nuclear waste at the Savannah River plant in South Carolina. Through a Q&A with Col
Connecting Communities and Science: Insights from Dr. Valerie Johnson & Dr. Brian McAdoo
In this comprehensive dialogue, Dr. Valerie Ann Johnson and Dr. Brian McAdoo discuss their extensive work in environmental justice, resilience, and the promotion of participatory science. Dr. Johnson, a scholar and activist, highlights her efforts with the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network and the importance of community involvement in science. Dr. McAdoo, an Associate Professor at Duke
Conversation on Conservation: LIVE at the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival
In this episode, ranger Paul and artist Jeri Hilt engage in a comprehensive discussion on conservation, their experiences, and their respective impacts in different regions. Ranger Paul, from Jockey's Ridge State Park, outlines the North Carolina State Park system's goals in conservation, recreation, and education, emphasizing the importance of maintaining natural and cultural sites. Jeri Hilt sha
A Journey Through Forestry, Education, and Music with Dr. Thomas Rashad Easley
In this episode of Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis, host Michelle Lewis interviews Dr. Thomas Rashad Easley, a multifaceted individual who has carved a diverse career path as a forester, educator, consultant, and musician. Dr. Easley shares his journey from growing up in North Birmingham with his gardening grandparents, through his educational pursuits in forestry and tree genetics at Alabama A
Exploring Climate Fiction and Advocacy with Tory Stephens
In this episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' host Michelle interviews Tory Stephens, a climate fiction publisher and network weaver at Grist. Celebrating Grist's 25 years of climate-specific reporting, Tory highlights their long-form investigative journalism and focus on climate justice, food, and plastic pollution. He shares his journey from health equity advocacy to climate storytell
Combatting Extreme Heat and Air Quality Challenges w/ Trinity Vetere from Sustainable Sandhills
In this episode of Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis, host Michelle Lewis interviews Trinity Vetere, the project coordinator for Sustainable Sandhills. Trinity discusses her journey from being a florist to studying sustainability, driven by her passion for environmental conservation. The conversation delves into Sustainable Sandhills' impactful work in addressing extreme heat and poor air quality
Inside the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival: Producer Episode
In this episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' co-producer Colin Harden interviews Michelle Lewis, the executive director of the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival and Peace Garden Project founder. They discuss the festival's growth, the importance of making it an international event, and the unique appeal of Manteo, North Carolina. Michelle delves into the festival's origins, its c
From Bird Walks to Biomechanics with Margaret Rubega
In this episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' host Michelle Lewis interviews Margaret Rubega, a professor and expert in ornithology. They discuss Margaret's unique research on birds, including monk parakeets, chimney swifts, and hummingbirds. The conversation covers Margaret's experience of being unexpectedly involved in a significant conservation battle in Eastern California, where she
What Are You Really Wearing? Unveiling the Importance of Sustainable Fashion w/ Jeff Garner, Director of 'Let Them Be Naked'
Michelle Lewis hosts Jeff Garner, an Emmy award-winning filmmaker and sustainable fashion designer, on her podcast 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis.' They discuss Garner's new documentary 'Let Them Be Naked,' highlighting the harmful effects of synthetic fabrics and dyes on health and the environment. Garner advocates for natural fibers and transparency in fashion production. They also talk abo
Feminist Climate Advocacy w/ Frances Roberts-Gregory
In this podcast episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' Michelle interviews Francis Roberts Gregory, a feminist political ecologist and environmental anthropologist. Francis shares her journey from her eco-conscious upbringing by a single mother in rural North Carolina and Georgia, her formal education in environmental science, to her extensive work in environmental justice. She discusses
Green Faith: Susannah Tuttle's Journey to Eco-Justice
In this podcast episode titled 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' hosted by the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival, Susanna Tuttle, the Director of the Eco-Justice Connection for the North Carolina Council of Churches, shares her journey and work in environmental and climate justice. Susanna discusses her background, including her upbringing in California and Wisconsin, her education in ec
Spirituality, Ancestry and Environmental Justice with Eco-Womanist, Dr. Melanie Harris
In this episode of "Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis," Hosted by Michelle Lewis, we are honored to welcome Dr. Melanie Harris, a distinguished eco-womanist scholar and professor of religion. Dr. Harris's work uniquely intertwines ecology, theology, and African American women's experiences, offering profound insights into environmental ethics and spirituality.Together, we delve into the principle
How to Find Hope in the New Political Landscape w/ Colin Harden
Join host Michelle Lewis on "Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis" as she chats with co-producer Colin Harden. In this episode, Michelle and Colin explore the future of The Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival, the evolution of the podcast, and the current state of the discourse around the environment.As the world grapples with urgent climate issues, their conversation sheds light on how we can a
Did Black People Coin the Phrase "Environmental Justice"? w/ filmmaker John Rash
Join host Michelle Lewis in a profound conversation with John Rash, director and producer of the inspiring documentary Our Movement Starts Here. Discover John's journey, insights, and the transformative impact of COVID-19 on the film's success.In this episode, John shares pivotal lessons learned and how adversity fueled the documentary's strength. Explore the intersection of climate action and sto
The Man Who Spent Two Decades Saving a Sycamore Tree w/ Joel Tauber
In this episode of Finding Hope in Climate Crisis, Host Michelle Lewis chats with Joel Tauber, Wake Forest professor, activist, artist and filmmaker about his stunning film Sick- Amour: A love story, about his nearly 20 year commitment to life and health of an endangered sycamore tree captivated audiences at the OBX Environmental Film Festival and won the Hidden Story and Heart of the Festival Awa
Live at the OBX EFF w/ Jonathan Rash, Joanne Hershfield and Josie Walker
Host Michelle Lewis facilitates this incredible Fireside chat with Filmmakers Jonathan Lee Rash, director of Our Movement Starts Here, Joanne Hershfield director of Gardening for the Planet, and Josie Stevens a seed saving activist in North Carolina. They had a great conversation around the ethics of documentary filmmaking, and the importance of regular people getting involved in their own commu
Live from the OBX Environmental Film Fest w/ Will Freund
In this episode Michelle Lewis talks with filmmaker Will Freund following the screening of his award winning film Blue Glacier Then and Now. He talks about documenting his father's climate change story and his passionate work as an environmental educator. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Live from the OBX Environmental Film Fest w/ Udemba McClean
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Story of the Leatherback w/ teen filmmaker Prin Uthaisangchai
In this episode of Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis, host, Michelle Lewis sits down with Prin Uthaisangchai a 12 year old filmmaker from Thailand and the youngest award winner at the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival. They talk about where he finds hope, his continued activism to save the leatherback sea turtles in Thailand and what project we can expect to see from him next. His award w
Making Composting Sexy w/ Filmmaker Ben Cheer
In this episode of Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis, host, Michelle Lewis talks with up and coming documentary filmmaker, Ben Cheer about is 2023 Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival winner for Best Short, Box of Life. They chat about the process of creating his award winning film from last year's festival, and documentary film’s place as a vehicle for catharsis and sparking important conver
Film as Activism w/ The Smell of Money Producer, Jamie Berger
Guest Jamie Berger, producer, and writer of the award winning film, The Smell of Money knows a thing or tow about filmmaking as a tool for community organizing. In this episode of Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis our host Michelle Lewis talks with Jamie about her process gaining trust in the community in Eastern North Carolina while filming, advice on how everyday people can get involved with c
Acknowledgement Meeting Action w/ guest Jeri Hilt
In this episode of Finding Hope in The Climate Crisis, host, Michelle Lewis talks with artist, activist and Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival Juror, Jeri Hilt about her creative practice, her academic and community work and her transformative experience at the inaugural Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival, last year.For more information about the festival or to purchase tickets, visit OB
Introducing Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis
Community Organizer, Filmmaker, Professor and Director of the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival Hosts, Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis, a podcast that highlights the best conversations from artists, activists, and environmental leaders from around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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