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Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis

Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis

Michelle Lewis 28 Episodes Jun 19, 2026

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

Extreme Heat: Humidity, Hot Nights, and Staying Safe w/Ashley Ward Jun 19, 2026 44:36 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 Jun 5, 2026 38:33 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 May 2, 2026 28:34 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 Mar 20, 2026 30:14 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 Dec 18, 2025 36:00 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” Dec 4, 2025 33:09 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 Nov 21, 2025 1:01:32 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 Nov 13, 2025 55:23 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 Oct 10, 2025 56:15 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 Sep 26, 2025 42:12 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 Sep 6, 2025 31:59 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 Aug 1, 2025 35:40 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

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