This week, we revisit a soulful conversation around climate change and the restorative power of nature with author Richard Powers.

We begin by defining the thematic through-line between The Overstory and Bewilderment (5:06 ), the eco trauma articulated in each text (9:10 ), how we may redefine hope today (16:08 ), and what the pandemic taught us about the climate crisis (26:18 ). Powers also details the ecological shortcomings of capitalism (29:00 ) and our myopic interpretation (and fear of) death (30:56 ).

On the back-half, we unpack why he writes (33:48 ), the need for “productive solitude” (40:40 ), and the singular way he writes analytical and emotional characters (44:42 ). To close– a fitting scene from one of Powers’ earlier works, Plowing the Dark (50:30 ), in which an older man enters an used bookstore, unable to find the book intended. And in the absence of that book, Richard Powers will continue to do so (52:50 ).

Thoughts or future guest ideas? Email us at sf@talkeasypod.com.

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