Where The Climate Things Are

In this episode, Addie sits down with Matt Scott — storyteller, podcaster, and Director of Storytelling & Engagement at Project Drawdown. From imposter syndrome and courage to representation and belonging, Matt shares what it means to “pass the mic” and create climate stories that are both human and transformative.We talk about:Growing up with family legacies that shaped his pathThe Climate Reality training that turned curiosity into commitmentPassing the mic and making space for others at the tableRepresentation, outdoor safety, and belongingBringing storytelling into Project Drawdown and launching Drawdown’s NeighborhoodLinksMatt’s LinkedInMatt’s Bio PageProject DrawdownDrawdown’s NeighborhoodMatt’s PodcastClimate Reality ProjectThe Black Female ProjectMustafa Santiago AliNalleli CoboKeywords: storytelling, Project Drawdown, Drawdown’s Neighborhood, passing the mic, representation, climate justice, outdoor safety, courage, imposter syndrome, climate storytelling, environmental justice, Climate Reality Project, trail running, belonging, community, advocacy

In this episode, Addie debriefs tonight's Kilian Jornet Foundation event in Colorado Springs, as well as reads the newest substack article on the design of the environmental advocacy campaign that accompanies Kilian Jornet's States of Elevation challenge. Plus! We preview the five Climate Strides events happening in NYC at NYC Climate Week this month. Don't miss it if you'll be in town! Links:Sign up for future States of Elevation events: https://nnormal.typeform.com/to/w5iiQgLB Climate Strides NYC Monday - https://luma.com/bp02i5njClimate Strides NYC Tuesday - https://luma.com/kqm45betClimate Strides NYC Wednesday - https://luma.com/ug4uk2jrClimate Strides NYC Thursday - https://luma.com/pkzm255xClimate Strides NYC Friday - https://luma.com/k9el3yflKeywords: Kilian Jornet, climate, environment, event, running, trail running, Running Minds, campaign, strategy, design, restoration, resilience, reconnection, advocacy, policy, volunteers, partnerships, storytelling, community

In this episode, Addie sits down with Peyton Thomas - a biologist and competitive trail runner whose work explores the connections between aquatic ecosystems, climate change, and community. From growing up in Atlanta and confronting inequities in access to green space, to building a career that bridges research and running, Peyton shares what it means to navigate multiple identities while staying rooted in purpose.We talk about:Peyton’s “aha” moment on climate: canvassing neighborhoods in Atlanta and recognizing environmental inequities.Running as a way to process life, find home in new landscapes, and stay connected to the natural world.How language learning became a bridge to community in Quebec and her work with the broader Black diaspora.The Anticosti Island fastpacking project: sampling rivers, studying brook trout, and blending science with outdoor adventure.The balance of pursuing both a science career and competitive running, and the ongoing process of defining fulfillment.Links & MentionsPeyton’s InstagramPeyton’s WebsiteAnticosti Island UNESCO nominationTrail Runner Mag Profile of Peyton (written by Dakota Jones)CU Boulder Profile Keywordstrail running, road running, competitive running, community, Indigenous sovereignty, climate change, aquatic ecosystems, brook trout, biodiversity, environmental DNA, fish otoliths, conservation, Anticosti Island, UNESCO World Heritage, Quebec, Atlanta, Chattahoochee River, environmental justice, access to green space, PhD journey, Alaska, Yukon, Patagonia, NNormal, Western States 100, Dakota Jones, science and sport, language learning, French, resilience, climate storytelling

Climate Strides Returns to Central Park! We are excited to announce *five* Climate Strides events at NYC Climate Week. Addie talks about the upcoming events, what to expect and how to get involved. Thanks to Protect Our Winters who came on board as the presenting sponsor for these activations. Hope to see you there!

This week, I spoke with Emma Mary Murray — textile artist, place-based educator, and environmental storyteller stitching climate realities into fabric, flags, and community.Emma joined me from Mount Desert Island, Maine, where she’s somehow managing to maintain a thriving career as an artist while teaching full-time. Her work is rooted in craft and kinship: an approach that blends personal ritual with planetary care, using slow art to tell fast-moving stories about aspects of the planet we’re losing and the one we’re still building.In this conversation, Emma shares what it means to create climate art that isn’t just decorative but, rather, declarative. From glacier flags to embroidered landscapes to collaborative workshops, she’s turning thread into a form of truth-telling.We talked about:Her formative climate “aha” moment at Chewonki’s Maine Coast SemesterHer journey from outdoor guide and climber to embroidery artistHer experience as artist-in-residence with the North Cascades Glacier Climate Project and creating “impact flags” in the fieldHow teaching her slow art craft is helping people reconnect with themselves and each otherHow Maine’s Island Explorer bus inspired her belief in public transit as a rural climate solutionLinksEmma Mary MurrayNorth Cascades Glacier Climate ProjectShaped By Ice art show in SeattleIsland ExplorerJill Pelto, climate artist and NCGCP art directorNo Man’s Land Film FestivalAmerican Alpine ClubMaine Coast Semester at ChewonkiKeywords:climate art, glacier loss, North Cascades, embroidery, storytelling, public transit, Mount Desert Island, climate education, slow craft, community art, place-based learning, youth climate action, teaching, glacial data, American Alpine Club, No Man’s Land Film Festival, climate grief, adaptation, handmade advocacy, rural climate solutions, Chewonki, activism

This week, we are joined by Emme Hayes - former fashion designer, backcountry guide, and the founder of Articles In Common, a resale marketplace reshaping outdoor culture through circularity and climate advocacy.Emme joined me just days after we met - because sometimes you have a conversation so powerful, you need to keep it going. She brings a rare dual perspective: both insider experience from the apparel and outdoor industries, and the fierce clarity of someone who’s decided to build something better. In this conversation, Emme breaks down the systems that prop up extractive gear culture - and how she’s working to replace them with models rooted in reuse, transparency, and justice. From climbing shoes to climate anxiety, she’s asking the questions the outdoor industry doesn’t want to face.We talked about:Her “no going back” moment after working in fashion and seeing the waste firsthandWhy outdoor brands often center access, but not climate, in their advocacyThe deeper problem behind “buy better”—and why sustainable apparel is a mythHow Articles in Common makes secondhand gear a climate solution, not just a lifestyleBuilding Wild for Climate - a new community hub for creatives and athletes who want to speak out without brand interferenceArticles in CommonThe Resole ProjectWild for ClimateEarthjusticeCenter for Biological DiversityNRDCDefenders of WildlifeStand.earthFriends of the LA RiverEllen MacArthur FoundationBLM Wildlife & Wild Horse ProgramSolar shipKeywords:climate action, resale, circular economy, circularity, secondhand gear, sustainable fashion, outdoor industry, environmental storytelling, Articles In Common, PFAS, overconsumption, public lands, climate anxiety, policy advocacy, backcountry guiding, marine protection, wild horses, BLM, outdoor brands, greenwashing, outdoor community, brand sponsorship, fashion industry, gear culture, re-commerce, climate justice

This episode was recorded live at TrailCon during the panel Sustainability, Stewardship and Climate Action in Trail Running. It brought together four powerful voices from across the outdoor and climate worlds: Gerard Vila (Kilian Jornet Foundation), Rory Fuerst Jr. (Keen Footwear), Kelly Newlon (Real Athlete Diets), and Scott Jurek (ultrarunner + Protect Our Winters). From cleaning up PFAS in global supply chains to stewarding sensitive mountain ecosystems, each guest shared their personal climate “aha” moments and the stakes they see on and off the trail.We cover:The fragility of the mountain ecosystems we run in What it means to "clean up" a supply chainHow trail maintenance can be climate protectionThe links between air quality, wildfire smoke and runningHow to engage politically… without preachingBehavior change, imperfect advocacy and community-led actionTrail running isn’t separate from climate - it’s part of it. And this conversation offers reminders and roadmaps for how our sport, our industry, and our communities can show up.Guest Bios 🎙 Gerard Vila is Director of the Kilian Jornet Foundation, working to preserve mountain environments through education, science, and on-the-ground stewardship. 🎙 Rory First Jr. leads R&D and innovation at Keen and has spent decades inside global footwear supply chains. 🎙 Kelly Newlon is a chef, athlete agent, and founder of RAD Boulder (Real Athlete Diets), with extensive experience supporting climate expeditions around the world. 🎙 Scott Jurek is an ultrarunning legend and member of Protect Our Winters’ Athlete Alliance, bringing his decades of environmental advocacy to the trails and the policy table.Keywords:trail running, climate action, outdoor community, sustainability, athlete activism, clean air, clean water, wildfire smoke, trail maintenance, ecosystem protection, PFAS, behavior change, endurance sports, climate storytelling, environmental policy, glacier melt, fresh water, supply chain, imperfect advocacy, mountain ecosystems

For this episode, I sat down in person at TrailCon with Kristina Randrup—an ultrarunner, wildlife ecologist, and PhD student at the University of Washington studying blue whale populations. Kristina joined me just after winning the 18K at Broken Arrow Skyrace to talk about her lifelong relationship with ecology, her early start in ultrarunning, and what it means to split your life between rigorous academic research and long days in the mountains.We discussed growing up on the East Bay trails, the future of large cetaceans and what it means to defend public lands not just as a user, but as a scientist. Kristina is the kind of guest who’s equally comfortable talking about Bayesian modeling as she is about the finish-line chaos of major ultra races. Whether she’s running 100K races or analyzing blue whale stock assessments, she brings a level of curiosity and humility that feels especially rare - and especially needed - in both science and sport.We talk about:What it’s like to grow up running ultras - and having her mom sign her up for her first 50KWhy she almost didn't get into her PhD program—and how she ended up studying blue whales (and why it’s important to study them!)Why data modeling is powerful, but not everything—and how Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is finally being taken seriouslyThe case for embracing multiple ways of being outdoors, without hierarchy or gatekeepingThe connection between running, science and placeLinksNatural Climate Solutions – The Nature ConservancyKristina’s paper about natural climate solutions for WashingtonDr. Trevor Branch – UW School of Aquatic and Fishery SciencesThe Boldt decisionMore about the Boldt decisionIWC large cetaceans population estimatesInternational Whaling CommissionNorth Atlantic Right WhalesNew paper on baleen whales and climate changeBayesian modelingCamas!More CamasDr. Lydia Jennings – Soil Scientist & AdvocateRun to Be Visible – Patagonia film feat. Lydia JenningsPolar bears and traditional ecological knowledgeCan you tell I interviewed a PhD researcher? Links galore! :)Keywords: climate science, marine mammals, trail running, ultrarunning, blue whales, public lands, outdoor equity, environmental science, PhD student, GIS, Bayesian modeling, natural climate solutions, whale conservation, University of Washington, outdoor community, Indigenous knowledge, traditional ecological knowledge, land sovereignty, recreation access, seal overpopulation, Broken Arrow, Brooks Trail Team, science communication

For this episode, I spoke with Fabrice Perrin, the Director of Sports, Community and Sustainability at UTMB, the world’s largest trail running event series. We sat down in Olympic Valley the day before the start of Western States (which he was preparing to run) to talk about the new sustainability policies UTMB is implementing across its Mont Blanc races, what it means for athletes and organizers, and some of the tougher questions on why the race series formulated these new measures the way they did. We talk about:The newly announced pillars around sustainability for the race - commit, measure, reduce, offsetWhy travel makes up over 85% of UTMB’s footprint—and how the race is trying to change thatHow the race is trying to promoting behavior change, and the mechanics of the lottery weighting clause What it means to offset emissions responsibly, and why UTMB didn’t make that cost optional (or cover it for runners themselves) The tension between climate action and access: who gets to race, and what does it cost?UTMB approached me about having this conversation, and I was glad to have the opportunity to dig in. I called upon a few friends who are members of the PTRA to gather more questions than the ones my research prompted - a special shout-out to Dakota Jones for helping me thoroughly prepare for this conversation. Links:UTMB's Sustainability Commitment UTMB’s Social Media Announcement Pro Trail Runners Association (PTRA’s) responseProtect Our Winters (POW) FranceUTMB Go – Carbon Footprint Planning ToolRenewable Energy Credits 101EcoAct (current offset partner)Paris Agreement summary (UNFCCC)Keywords:trail running, climate action, sustainable events, UTMB, ultra running, carbon offsets, weighted lottery, environmental policy, outdoor industry, equity, endurance sports, clean transportation, public transit, sustainable racing, offsetting ethics, global warming, glacier melt, climate storytelling, climate, sport, emissions reduction

For this episode, Addie sat down with Maddie Hart - a trail and ultra runner, environmental consultant, and the founder of Hart Athletic Co., a new sustainability consulting initiative for endurance events. Maddie is based in the Bay Area (shoutout to the Pacifica trails and the iconic Taco Bell Cantina) and joined me to talk about her path from skiing and horse riding to 100-mile ultras, the state of renewable energy, and how she’s helping races cut waste, emissions, and greenwashing.We talk about:Why we need to move away from climate perfectionism and toward meaningful, measurable changeWhat it’s like to go from burnout in the clean energy sector to launching her own consulting businessHer approach to certification, tailored to the realities of each event and communityWhat it means to show up with skin in the game—as a runner, racer, and trail userThe carbon footprint of finish-line beer (yes, it’s a thing) and what races can do about itThis episode is for anyone who’s curious about building something from scratch, shaping the future of trail events, or turning frustration into action.LinksHart Athletic Co.CleanPowerSF (Community Choice Aggregator)TerraCycle – Zero Waste BoxesEPA Guide to Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)High Lonesome 100Javelina JundredWestern Colorado University – Environment & Sustainability ProgramRunners for Public LandsLet me know what stood out to you - especially if you're a race director, athlete, or organizer thinking about how to make your event more sustainable. Or if you just want to talk trail snacks and carbon sinks.Keywords:climate action, sustainable racing, trail running, ultra running, Hart Athletic Co., endurance events, renewable energy, race sustainability, green sports, eco-friendly races, electrification, clean energy transition, waste reduction, carbon offsetting, zero waste, environmental consultant, outdoor industry, TerraCycle, RECs, climate communication, trail race emissions, climate and sport, public lands advocacy, inclusive outdoor community, sustainable event certification

For this episode, I spoke with Jordan Wright, a strategic communicator, creative campaigner, and storytelling force behind POW Europe (Protect Our Winters). Jordan is based in West Wales - yes, the land of rocky coastlines, cold surf, and long, rainy winters - and she joined me to talk about the path from brand designer to climate campaigner, what it's like to organize across 10+ European teams, and how storytelling can move people to action.We talk about:The aha moment that moved her from graphic design into the climate spaceThe unique structure of POW Europe and why localized campaigns matterWhy climate storytelling needs to balance urgency with hope—and fear with actionMessaging strategies that cut through the noise (hint: “you should do this” doesn’t land)Her take on circular design as a favorite climate solution, with a shoutout to UK brand FinisterrePlus: how growing up surfing in Wales, volunteering with Surfers Against Sewage, and witnessing climate impacts firsthand in British Columbia all shaped the work she’s doing today.This one’s full of insight for anyone trying to communicate climate clearly, organize across borders, or just figure out how to plug in with imperfection and purpose.Links:Jordan’s LinkedinProtect Our Winters EuropeInternational Year of Glacier PreservationPOW x Icebreaker’s “Downstream” film on glacier retreatPOW Austria’s Glacier FuneralSesame Street Water Conservation Cartoon PSASurfers Against SewageThe DO LecturesFinisterre’s circular wetsuit programKeywordsclimate change, environmental storytelling, outdoor recreation, nature connection, strategic communications, POW Europe, climate advocacy, surfing, circular design, imperfect advocacy, climate campaigns, athlete activism, glacier preservation, low-carbon travel, climate messaging, European climate movement, sustainability, community engagement, climate resilience, environmental activism, storytelling strategies, climate policy, brand strategy, creative campaigning

This week we welcome Isaias Hernandez, aka Queer Brown Vegan, to the podcast. Our conversation explores Isaias's journey into environmentalism, their childhood experiences, and the importance of climate literacy. Isaias shares their 'aha' moment regarding climate change, the struggles with representation in the environmental space, and the founding of their media platform.We talk about:Queer ecology and queer environmentalismDepictions of outdoor recreation and the privileges of that spaceRelationship to the natural world as a basis for a career in climate educationThe Queer Brown Vegan series “Teaching Climate Together”Foraging!Links:Queer Brown Vegan InstagramQueer Brown Vegan WebsiteQueer EcologyPetromasculinityTeaching Climate TogetherMore on fungi tech (this one focuses on leather but a google search brings up much more)Keywordsclimate change, environmental education, queer ecology, climate literacy, Queer Brown Vegan, outdoor recreation, environmentalism, climate communication, intersectionality, representation, foraging, climate education, community building, environmental justice, heteronormativity, climate solutions, inclusivity

Addie is joined this week by Maggie Lemere, a documentary filmmaker and storyteller, as she shares her journey into the world of climate awareness and environmental storytelling. She discusses her background in human rights and how it intersects with environmental issues, her experiences growing up surrounded by nature, and the importance of storytelling in connecting people to climate issues. We talk about: Redefining environmental activism and the need for diverse representation in climate narrativesThe transformative power of outdoor experiences The intersection of human rights and the environment Her work with National Geographic and her current film projects Paddling the Potomac and walking across the Serengheti (casual) LinksMaggie’s WebsiteMaggie Instagram AshokaMaggie’s Book Nowhere To Be Home Doc Society Nat Geo ExplorersMaggie’s Explorer PageBoundary Waters Nat Geo’s Great Migration TripNOLSVs. Goliath Cancer AlleyPacific Climate Warriors Matagi MālohiNot Too Late BookKeywordsclimate change, environmental storytelling, documentary filmmaking, human rights, outdoor recreation, nature connection, Indigenous communities, climate awareness, storytelling strategies, National Geographic, filmmaking, climate crisis, environmental activism, storytelling, Palestinian culture, documentary, regenerative agriculture, community impact, oral history

This week we welcome Zoe Young to the Where The Climate Things Are podcast! In this episode, we explore the intersection of climate change, storytelling, and community action. Zoe shares her journey as a climate writer and her experiences with The Nature Conservancy, emphasizing the importance of nature-based solutions and the power of storytelling in communicating climate issues.We talk about: Art as climate activismClimate fiction and storytelling futures Helping spur action and behavior change Nature as the ultimate climate solution Zoe’s band, the Furious Tits, and their climate songwritingLinksZoe’s WebsiteZoe’s InstagramTwo Futures InstallationTwo Futures Designer’s Website Grist piece - The Last AlmondGrist.org Groundwater recharge WTCTA Substack Climate Strides recap 30 x 30 FrameworkP22 (Mountain Lion) The Water Knife bookDesperate Pleasures song Keywordsclimate change, climate writing, storytelling, nature-based solutions, community, climate activism, emotional journey, climate fiction, environmental science, hope

This week, Addie is joined by the team behind Better Trail - Jenny Abegg and Katie Oram. They discuss the founding and mission of Better Trail, a platform dedicated to promoting sustainability in outdoor gear. They share personal experiences that shaped their views on climate change, the importance of transparency in brand practices, and the need for educated consumers in the outdoor recreation space.We talk about: The merging of gear reviews with sustainability metrics The intersection of outdoor gear and public landsThe challenges and triumphs of building a company from scratchBoth Jenny and Katie’s entry points into the sustainability conversation What its like to be a gear tester (hint: it’s not all fun and games!) LinksBetter TrailKatie IGJenny IG Lander Climate Action Network BlueSignOutdoor Industry AssociationScience-Based Targets initiative Higg Index Terry Tempest WilliamsPFASWTCTA Patreon KeywordsBetter Trail, sustainability, climate change, outdoor gear, environmental education, transparency, consumer journey, brand engagement, climate action, outdoor recreation, environmental awareness, outdoor gear, public lands, sustainability, climate solutions, gear testing, community engagement, advocacy, education

This week, Addie shares the substack post "An Urgent Call To Action" on WTCTA's Substack and discusses how we can all get involved in raising our voices together.Important links!POW's Campaign Link to take actionPOW's social postOriginal WTCTA substack postKeywordsclimate advocacy, public lands, clean energy, outdoor community, political engagement, Protect Our Winners, climate action, environmental conservation, community mobilization, grassroots activism

Paddy O’Leary on the pod! We discuss the recent Climate Strides event in San Francisco, reflecting on the importance of community engagement and interactive storytelling in climate advocacy. We also explore Paddy's background, his journey from Ireland to becoming a professional trail runner and community organizer, and the significance of connecting people through shared experiences and discussions about climate change.We talk about:Climate Strides SF! And SF Climate WeekPaddy’s upbringing and early connections to natureBeing a science communicator and how that relates to climateHis foray into filmmaking and upcoming projectsHis “ahh” and “aha!” moments on climate LinksPaddy’s Instagram  Paddy as a POW Athlete Alliance Member Climate Strides SFNovember Project Urban OasisHow to Recall Iroquois LacrosseLuke Wicker’s RunRicky Gates / TransamericanaRicky Gates / Every Single StreetDoosterDipsea RaceDipsea Generations TeaserSutro StewardsKeywordsclimate change, community engagement, storytelling, climate advocacy, San Francisco, event organization, Climate Strides, lacrosse, cancer biology, November Project, running community, youth participation, trail running, climate activism, Dipsea Race, rewilding, community engagement, environmental awareness, youth participation, science communication, outdoor spaces, conservation

We are joined this week by Kelly Newlon of RAD Boulder (Real Athlete Diets), a professional chef and athlete manager with a commitment to sustainability and environmental advocacy. She discusses her early influences, her culinary background, and the pivotal moments that led her to focus on feeding endurance athletes around the world. Kelly also highlights the importance of working with purpose-driven athletes who advocate for meaningful causes, illustrating how her work supports their missions and contributes to a larger environmental impact.We talk about: The origin story of RADHow environmentalism feeds into every part of the work she does Building trust with athletes and brands Sourcing and using local ingredients for meals, and the impacts of climate on local producers globallyThe Do Epic Shit movement she has created in the trail community and beyond :) (IYKYK, and if you don’t, listen in!) LinksRAD Boulder on instagramRAD Boulder website Culinary Institute of AmericaMina Guli WTCTA podcast episodeClare Gallagher Trail Ahead podcast episode Adam Merry Trail Ahead podcast episode  UNEP swim activationTrailConWTCTA PatreonKeywordsReal Athlete Diets, sports nutrition, environmental advocacy, athlete management, sustainability, culinary arts, regenerative agriculture, Boulder, endurance athletes, environmental advocacy, athletes, sustainable food sourcing, global organizations, community recognition, climate solutions, purpose-driven work, outdoor community, water crisis, positive storytelling

Join me for a short solo episode (!!) that's one part level-setting, one part future-visioning and one part me laughing at my typos on Substack. Enjoy!

This week, Timothy Lock joins the podcast to share his journey growing up on the coast of Maine, falling in love with the outdoors and eventually becoming an architect focused on ecological design. He discusses his deep connection to nature, shaped by his experiences in Acadia National Park, and how these moments influenced his commitment to climate action.We talk about:His career in low-emissions architecture and designConnection to outdoor experiences and how they influence his workA passion for mountaineering and climbing that has shifted towards ultrarunningChanging our habits to use less in our livesMaine, obviouslyLinksTim’s InstagramOpal WebsiteOpal InstagramPresidential TraversePresi Traverse FKTPemi LoopPassive HouseTim’s Article in AIA Philadelphia Context MagazineMore on Tim’s White House Policy Office workWTCTA PatreonKeywordsclimate action, architecture, outdoor recreation, ultra running, Maine, Acadia National Park, ecological design, personal growth, nature connection, outdoor experiences, environmental connection, sustainability, passive house, advocacy, built environment, energy efficiency, community impact, certifications, climate solutions, demand mitigation, environmental design, ecological benefits, bipartisan messaging, consumption, sustainability, architecture, trail running, New England, vertical kilometers, environmental advocacy, endurance sports, outdoor challenges, running community, technical trails