The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast

The People's Countryside

This podcast's for anyone wanting to explore the big issues, stretching your thinking in relatable ways. Well known personalities, Stuart ‘The Wildman’ Mabbutt and photographer William Mankelow, who aren't experts, but have opinions, authentic views and no scripts. Join them on meandering conversations about nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Sometimes joined by guests, or discussing listener questions between themselves. Always full of fun anecdotes and a bit of silliness. https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside read less
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Episodes

Festivals & Grief
5d ago
Festivals & Grief
Welcome to The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, where the aim is to be a friend in your ear during these challenging times. In today's therapy session for your co-hosts Stuart and William, you’ll take a dive into listener questions from Wally in Manchester, England, and Jayne in York, England. We begin with Wally’s question, which is: “What festivals do you guys like to celebrate yourselves?” Off the back of Wally’s question William shares his joy of Midsummer celebrations in Finland, while Stuart reflects on a childhood, grounded in honouring seasons, spirits and solstices. Together, they explore the significance of inviting others into our traditions, and promoting sustainable festivities. We then move onto Jayne’s question, which is: “Could you both share your own experiences and thoughts around grief?” Inspired by Jayne’s question, Stuart explores the multifaceted nature of grief, acknowledging its impact is beyond the loss of loved ones, and delving into the complexities of missed opportunities and unfulfilled connections. While William shares insights into the evolution of grief, from moments of guilt to the profound realisation of personal identity beyond family ties, prompting introspection on mortality and legacy. Tune in to this profound episode as Stuart and William explore the depths of human experience, finding solace and wisdom amidst life's celebrations and sorrows. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.  Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message
Emotional Numbness and Navigating Criticism
17-03-2024
Emotional Numbness and Navigating Criticism
Join Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow, the down-to-earth co-hosts of The People’s Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, as they dive into uncharted waters with no preparation, no scripts, just honest, genuine and relatable discussions. In this episode, they tackle thought-provoking questions from Paco in Wimbledon, England, and Fanaka from Kenya. First up is the question from Paco which is as follows: “What does nothing feel like?” From Paco’s question, Stuart reflects on the concept of emotional numbness, exploring the idea of experiencing a lack of feelings when confronted with some things. William challenges the notion, asserting that as humans, feeling nothing, is impossible. The conversation takes an introspective turn as they explore meditation, and the philosophical question of whether true nothingness, can ever be achieved. The second listener question of this episode is from Fanaka, and her question is: “As co-hosts you speak openly, but that opens you up to criticism in return. How do you deal with that?” Inspired by Fanaka’s question, William and Stuart share their experiences of criticism, acknowledging that it's a rare occurrence, but a valuable one when it happens. Stuart, known for his candid expressions, and not shying away from taboo subjects, discusses how there's a feeling of frustration within him, with certain topics rarely openly being discussed, which is sometimes relieved by discussing some of the questions sent in by listeners. He also goes onto talk about how he welcomes criticism as a tool for growth. During this discussion the co-hosts speak about when they revisited a past controversial episode, with a ‘critics' points in mind during that particular second discussion, demonstrating their commitment to evolving themselves and engaging in meaningful discussions. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.  Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message
Unworn Sweaters And Curry Sauce Regrets
10-03-2024
Unworn Sweaters And Curry Sauce Regrets
Alan, a listener from Northway, Oxford, England sent in this question for discussion - “Is it excessive for the build up to Christmas to start in September, October and November? Is it a December thing?” Ah, the Christmas festive frenzy! William’s got a point: September to December can be like a shopping marathon – you start shopping early, stash gifts, often consuming them yourself, and then sprint at the end to buy more.  But Stuart’s onto something too. Those Christmas displays? They’re like tabloids – full of sensational nonsense. We should just say, “No thanks”  And that tat, Oh, that tat! People flaunt it like, “Look at my wealth – I’ve got a plastic snow globe!”  Stuart’s right – Christmas stock’s are like that old sweater in your closet: always there, never worn. Let’s voice our unhappiness!  So, here’s to September to December – a season of chaos, tinsel, and more “ho ho ho” than a caffeine-fueled Santa!  Heather, a listener in Ablington, Wiltshire, England sent in the second question for today - “Do you believe anyone when they say they don’t have any regrets?” Stuart always says he doesn't have any regrets, he sees it as a mindset thing. He consciously moves on. It’s often down to personal prioritising, that you end up with regrets because you’ve prioritised something else. It’s like when you’re standing in the queue at the chippy, right? You’ve got your eyes on that tray of golden, crispy chips, and you’re thinking, “This is it, this is the moment!” But then, just as you’re about to place your order, your mate Dave elbows you and says, “Oi, mate, they’ve got curry sauce today!” And suddenly, your whole world shifts. Curry sauce! It’s like the universe just handed you a winning scratch card. Now, priorities, they’re a bit like that. Life throws 'em at you, all unexpected-like. You’re there, juggling work, family, and trying to remember where you left your car keys. And then, out of nowhere, your brain goes, “Hey, remember that time you didn’t call your grandma on her birthday? Yeah, that’s a regret right there.” And you’re left standing in the queue of life, wondering if you should’ve ordered the curry sauce. But William, he’s got it figured out. He’s like a zen master of priorities. He’s standing on the edge of a cliff, wind in his hair, and he’s thinking, “If I could time-travel, would I tell my younger self to invest in Bitcoin or just buy more socks?” And you know what? He wouldn’t say a word. Because life’s a bit like a dodgy GPS – you take a wrong turn, end up in a field, but hey, at least you’ve got a nice view of some sheep. So, William’s got regrets, sure. Maybe he wishes he’d learned to play the ukulele or finally tried that pineapple pizza. But he doesn’t dwell on it. Life’s too short for that. Instead, he’s out there, chasing sunsets and making peace with the fact that sometimes, you’ve just got to choose between chips and curry sauce. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.  Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message
Natures Rhythms and AI Benefits
03-03-2024
Natures Rhythms and AI Benefits
Fred, a listener from St Just, Cornwall, England, set the first question to be explored today - “In the UK we put the clock back an hour in October and forward an hour in March. Now we have digital clocks that automatically alter, and now we live in a world of quick communication, and we buzz between time zones readily. Is it time for the UK to stop doing this? I think we started doing this in the early 1900’s to save and conserve energy. Not sure if it's true but I read William Willett, the great-great-grandfather of Coldplay’s Chris Martin, set up a campaign before the first world war pushing for clocks to go forward in spring and back in winter so that people could spend more time outdoors during the day and save energy”. William your co-host suggests that the time difference might be related to harvesting. He acknowledges that not all countries have adopted this system, especially some US counties. He views it as being linked to labour. Stuart the other co-host believes that the main advantage of clock changes is providing school children with more evening light. However, he thinks confusion arises for those who don’t adjust their clocks. Stuart proposes reimagining work schedules to alleviate congestion caused by synchronised movement, routines and start times. In summary, the clock-changing debate involves practical considerations, nature’s rhythms, and potential benefits. Heather, a listener from in Ablington, Wiltshire, England sets us the second question in todays episode - “What do you think about AI, good or bad? Is it a friend or foe? Should we rage against the AI machine?” William views AI as a powerful tool, not sentient but capable of both good and bad. He highlights its use in monitoring potential tsunamis in the Indian Ocean, and specific prompts crucial for effective AI interaction. The biggest danger for some, according to William, lies in AI potentially replacing artists, but he doesn't fully agree with this. He appreciates music’s rough edges and encourages playfulness with AI. Stuart raises concerns about AI running amok, trapped in self-reinforcing cycles. Stuart’s advice: Reflect on AI’s impact in your own life. It’s already woven into our existence. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.  Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message
Nature, Politicians, and All-Terrain Wheelchairs
25-02-2024
Nature, Politicians, and All-Terrain Wheelchairs
Welcome back to another wild ride with Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and partner in podcast crime, William ‘The Waffler’ Mankelow. In today's episode, they dive deep into two listener questions that have them pondering the mysteries of life, politics, and the great outdoors. The first comes from Alan in Northway, Oxford England, his question is:  “In October 2023 Rishi Sunak, UK Prime Minister, cancelled the Birmingham to Manchester leg of the new HS2 fast railway (what's the point then of the leg that is to be built from London to Birmingham), and also dropped or altered a lot of policies that could help reduce the effects of climate change in the UK. In the run up to a general election, this all looks like an aim to gain more votes. This stuff has an impact on humanity well into the future, so is it time for the big decisions like this to be made by a larger coalition, and not just one political party and one leader?”I ask is it right legally or ethically for the agreed timeline for the UK to meet Net Zero to seemingly be changed at will by the PM. While discussing Alan’s questions, William takes us on a journey through the stages of big projects and questions the management of HS2, while Stuart wonders if politicians are fit for setting long-term policies, or for just playing the short-term game. Is HS2 a vote winner, or is Rishi Sunak's replacement the real show-stealer? The second listener question is brought to us by Vandana in India, and her question is as follows: - “It's said the human species has 250,000 years of genetics running through its veins. Our universal appreciation for the beauty of the natural world comes from those genetics as we came from caves and the land. If the appreciation is genetic then can the ability to so easily remove ourselves, lose awareness of, and not connect with the natural world be genetic too? If it is, then we are seemingly being pulled away from and pulled towards at the same time. Is it in our genetics to get the balance right?” Off the back of this question, Stuart challenges you to dig deep – what's fueling your nature vibes? Genetic predisposition, upbringing, or a mix of both? And William's got a remedy for any nature-phobia – get outside, explore those green spaces, and let Mother Nature work her magic on your soul. Join us in breaking down barriers for Stuart! Your support not only provides him with an all-terrain wheelchair for outdoor workshops, but also creates a sanctuary for him to start working from again. He’s engaged around 20,000 clients with nature over the years. Let's make a difference together and help him engage 1000’s more. Check out the fundraiser here: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message
[TW] Can You Be Too Controversial?
18-02-2024
[TW] Can You Be Too Controversial?
A trigger warning is issued for this episode, as the conversation delves into the sensitive subjects of suicide and death. We urge listeners to consider their comfort level with such topics before proceeding. Prepare yourself for some delightful waffle in this episode! We appreciate the 26 listeners questions we have lined up; thanks for sending them in. If you have a burning question, feel free to drop us an email at ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com. Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, where hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William ‘The Waffler’ Mankelow dive into two intriguing listener questions. In this episode, they explore perspectives from Alan in Northway, Oxford, and Vandana from India. Alan’s question is as follows: “Chris Packham recently tweeted “Personally , I've now reached a point where I believe breaking the law for the climate is the ethically responsible thing to do”, do you think as a public figure he should be saying such things? He seems to be becoming a disrupter, and a humanity hooligan, is this wise for his career?” Stuart passionately contends that breaking the law is a personal choice, emphasising that it's not merely about the action, but the impact on others. William, curious about the outcomes of such actions, questions the achievements of actually breaking the law. Vandana’s question is as follows: “I heard Stuart you are getting a couple of wheelchairs to help with your mobility issues, so, which bits of the countryside are you looking forward to reacquainting yourself with?” Stuart shares his anticipation of being back out in nature, emphasising that he won't fully grasp what he's missed until he's immersed in it again. William reflects on the emotional impact of being in nature, emphasising the experience over a specific location. The hosts explore the idea of nature helping people reconnect with themselves, and the importance of an all-terrain wheelchair for Stuart in facilitating these experiences for the public. The link to the fundraiser we’ve got running for that extra chair is here: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels Join Stuart and William in this engaging episode as they navigate the complexities of ethics, activism, and the profound connection between humanity and nature. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.  Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message
Climate Twister: Arrested Musings Unleashed
11-02-2024
Climate Twister: Arrested Musings Unleashed
Ivy, from Worthing, West Sussex, England poses the first listener question in todays episode for your co-hosts do discuss: Link to the question William and Stuart – the dynamic duo of deep thoughts and questionable life choices, offer their musings. William starts with the stigma of being arrested. It can be like a membership card/medal/trophy for some. Picture this though: William’s at a climate protest, wearing his “Save the Planet” T-shirt, and suddenly the cuffs come out. He’s torn between two worlds: eco-warrior or accidental trespasser. It’s like he’s playing climate change Twister – left foot on “awareness,” right hand on “impending arrest.” William thinks getting arrested might backfire on your message. Imagine you’re mid-protest, and the police swoop in. Suddenly, your chant changes from “Hey, hey, ho, ho, fossil fuels have got to go!” to “Hey, hey, ho, ho, my bail’s set too low!” Not exactly the eco-friendly revolution you had in mind. Stuart – the guy who’s like a human Sudoku puzzle: complex, but ultimately pointless. He flips the script and asks, “Is it ever wrong to be arrested?” Deep, right? He’s got a point, though. But being arrested – is it the new status symbol for some though, something to brag about. Move over, Gucci handbags; it’s all about “Cellblock Chic.” Imagine the Instagram captions: “Just got arrested for climate change. #EcoGlam #Cellfie.” Then Stuart drops the mic: Getting arrested – is it like a window into some people’s possible intellect, meaning their message could be overruled more easily by the ultimate decision makers? Next time you’re at a protest, remember: “To be or not to be arrested?” That is the question. And if you choose “to be,” make sure your mugshot shows off your good side. After all, even in the clink, it’s all about those eco-friendly angles! Mary, from Gorse Hill, Swindon, Wiltshire, England poses the second listener question today: Link to the question Stuart and William discuss the “us and them” attitude, inspired by another listener named Elaine from Telford who asked a question in a previous episode. Stuart emphasises that despite feeling insignificant, we must take action against the climate crisis. He advocates for varying language and attitudes to keep messages fresh. Common ground is crucial, even when sharing personal experiences. Stuart highlights the power of silence in getting a message across. He warns that perceived bullying and an unwillingness to drift too far from entrenched views, may actually be our own behaviour too. William, while still flying, focuses on mindful consumption at home. He emphasises adapting communication to cultural context and suggests seeking common ground by sharing barriers. In summary, both hosts encourage meaningful dialogue and self-awareness to bridge divides and avoid preachiness. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.  Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message
Meetings, Doughnuts And Germs
04-02-2024
Meetings, Doughnuts And Germs
Elaine, from Telford, in Shropshire, England sends in this first listener question for discussion today. “Like you guys probably, I’ve been to many public meetings, run by scientists who specialise in systems thinking, filled with community activists, trying to develop new more sustainable circular systems that society can then hang itself on, and frame itself around. The aim being to try and mitigate the climate and ecological crisis that we all face. We don’t have to try too hard these days to convince people we need to act to avert disaster, because unless the natural world's health is generally good, then humanity will struggle to survive. The general issue and barrier to people making changes in their lives is there's a lack of leadership and direction from the people with the power to galvanise us. The leaders, decision makers and people with vested interests in maintaining the ‘business as usual’ attitude, rarely attend these meetings, or absorb the feedback these meetings produce. How do we break down the ‘them and us’ culture that's evolving in the adaptation process we’re all in, and how do we get everybody at these meetings, instead of the separation and separate meetings we see now? It's not too late, we’ve not yet polluted as much as we think, and the unfairness in the world's societies is not too advanced either. That's just my view, and my view is there's still an opportunity for a fair and just survival”. Stuart infers that Elaine’s question pertains to the doughnut economy framework, which proposes a social and ecological boundary for human development. He asserts that one of the challenges to implementing this framework is the low self-efficacy of potential stakeholders. He illustrates this point by recounting the case of someone he knew who shunned meeting attendance, irrespective of the agenda. Stuart observes that meetings often induce a herd mentality, where individuals conform to the prevailing opinions and suppress dissent and alternatives. He recommends that a more productive strategy is maybe to distance oneself from emotional attachments, listen attentively to diverse viewpoints, and refrain from judging others. William worries that these meetings can make certain attendees feel dumb, because one can’t always follow the jargon thrown around. The second listener question discussed today is from Paco, in Wimbledon, England. “I’ve seen viruses and pathogens that have been extinct for 30,000 years, but found frozen in the world's ice caps, have been reactivated in the laboratory when pairing them up with ameba. If these frozen viruses emerge from the melting ice and find their way into the world's rivers and oceans, do they pose a new threat to humans as they could morph into something else if the conditions are perfect, like in the lab?” William wonders if living in the wrong place as it were, your geographical location, can make you more susceptible to falling sick, and wants to know who’s waking up the germs from their long naps. He wants to understand why and how the viruses and pathogens are being reactivated? He thinks maybe they’re just cranky because they missed their breakfast. Stuart discusses the problem of Methane, which is trapped in ice sheets and released into the atmosphere, and how it will take millennia for it to be fully emitted, but, even a partial emission can have detrimental effects. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss on this podcast? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.  Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends https://bit.ly/45vuCPP⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://bit.ly/3UmtDyr⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message
[TW] A Matter Of Life & Death
28-01-2024
[TW] A Matter Of Life & Death
A trigger warning is issued for this episode, as the conversation delves into the sensitive subjects of suicide and death, we urge listeners to consider their comfort level with such topics before proceeding. In this thought-provoking episode, Stuart and William embark on a journey, prompted by questions from listeners Iris in Wetley Rocks, Staffordshire, England, and Fanaka in Kenya. Two people geographically distant, but brought together through listening to this podcast. The hosts dive deep into the realms of life and death due to the nature of these particular questions. The question from Iris in Wetley Rocks, Staffordshire, England is as follows, “I’m back guys, still listening. My next question is, who would cry at your funerals?” In response, Stuart raises a poignant point about why people cry at funerals, attributing it to a range of emotions such as guilt, missed opportunities, sadness, and attachment. The hosts refuse to dictate who would shed tears at their own funerals, leaving it to the unpredictable nature of genuine emotions. William reflects on his personal experiences of grief, describing it as a natural process, that goes beyond societal pressures. He draws inspiration from his mother's influence in navigating moments of sorrow. And here is the question from Fanaka from Kenya: “If you hadn’t met one another what would you both be doing with your lives now?” From Fanaka's question, the hosts grapple with hypothetical scenarios, contemplating the impact of their collaboration on their individual lives, and what would happen if they were to part ways. As the episode unfolds, Stuart and William find a profound connection between the questions raised by Iris and Fanaka—one about death and the other about life. The exploration of these themes intertwines, revealing the intricate balance between the two fundamental aspects of our existence. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.  What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers.Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message
Environmental Intricacies Explored
21-01-2024
Environmental Intricacies Explored
Nature can be a puzzle when trying to unravel the threads of and the motivations behind tree planting, and population growth. Welcome to another episode of The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, where your cohosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow delve into the intricacies of two thought-provoking questions posed by listeners. In this episode, listener Elaine from Telford, England, sparks a debate about humanity's place in the natural order. Elaine’s questions is as follows: “Right from the start, life's evolution has always formed and influenced the makeup of the Earth's atmosphere, with various tipping points along the way. Why wouldn’t man’s population passing 9.5 billion again be a tipping point? When will we all admit that human existence will have positive and negative effects on the planet? Will there ever be a time when we’re not motivated to change just because it has a personal benefit on us or our pockets?” William resonates with the idea that we are an integral part of nature, questioning if our current population growth is simply a facet of the natural process. Stuart delves into the consequences of human actions, emphasising the conscious impact we have on the environment compared to previous species. They explore together the concept of sustainability, touching on the challenges of controlling population growth and the complexities of an ageing demographic. Listener Roman from Slovakia, brings forward a question on the effectiveness of tree planting in addressing environmental issues. The question is as follows: “Is tree planting the best thing for conservation? Natural succession gives you functioning communities of trees and shrubs genetically suited to their environment, plus all the species that go along with that. Firstly, planting trees by-passes the natural successional stages that so much of our biodiversity depends on. Secondly, many planted trees are not from local genetic stock and sometimes not even from the same country.  Thirdly, many/most planted trees are not properly looked after and many die. Fourthly, and leading on from the above, planting trees costs a lot of money and if many/most die it's arguably a waste of money. Is it better to reduce the amount of trees we are cutting down and the drivers behind that cutting?” Stuart challenges the notion that tree planting alone can solve problems, highlighting the importance of considering how, when, and where it's done. William expands on the idea, stressing the need for diverse habitats and cautioning against a narrow focus on creating forests. The cohosts examine the deeper implications of planting trees, contemplating the anthropocentric perspective and emphasising the importance of caring for the trees we plant. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message
Adapting And Surviving
14-01-2024
Adapting And Surviving
“Hi guys, I’m back, always listening but not sent in a question for you to discuss too often these days. Can I ask, who do you feel the BBC is lining up to replace Sir David Attenborough? Who do you think could replace him?” That’s the first listener question sent for discussion, and that comes from Vandana in India. There are people like Chris Packham and Simon Reeve, who though aren’t exactly being lined up to replace him, are perceptibly doing more. Is there really a conscious choice to replace David Attenborough? We all know that we can’t. His influence will go on, as it is huge. Stuart’s conclusion is that the BBC aren’t trying to replace him, and they really shouldn’t be, and should move onto someone else. William talks about the idea of replacement being incorrect, that you don’t replace, you get something new. Pedro, a long standing listener from Portugal has sent in the second question for discussion today, and is as follows: “40% of the Earth's surface, that isn’t frozen, is given over to intensive monoculture style farming, and the volume of plastic and concrete in the world is already more than the world's total biomass. To play devil's advocate for a minute, I could suggest humans are brutally efficient and growing and feeding most of the world populations, though distribution leaves a lot to be desired. The current process of sustaining our species means we are imitating the volcanoes that heated the world millions of years ago, by the volume of CO2 we are pumping out. Where do we search for hope though, do we look at humanity's own inventiveness to reverse this? For us to survive I feel we need to put planet Earth first, otherwise it will continue to evolve without us”. William agrees with Pedro’s devil's advocacy, and that as a species we’re brutally efficient at survival. Even something like the black death didn’t kill us off, and in some ways did lead to how we live today. Stuart finds the analogy that humans and their habits are like a giant volcano, interesting. It echo’s a thought he had in a previous episode where he believed that us humans are like a giant panda, an evolutionary dead end. In conclusion, your co-hosts feel we as a species are often at our best when we’re pushed into action, when we’re cornered. We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss on a future episode of this podcast? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message
There Are Rarely Categorics
07-01-2024
There Are Rarely Categorics
2024 starts with a new format for this podcast. Instead of releases at 10am UK on Tuesdays and Sundays, with one listener question covered in each episode. We’re now just releasing on Sundays, but still at 10am UK time. Now though you’ll get two listener questions per episode. So we're going longer form. Debs, Didcot, Oxfordshire, England sets the first question of the year, which is: “Is the male/female opinion societally influenced, genetically influenced or independent of all outside influences, and how does that influence our willingness or unwillingness to live sustainably?” Stuart explores that at different moments it can be any one of the three (societally influenced, genetically influenced or independent of all outside influences) it can be an overlap. There are rarely categorics. William asks whether males have truly different opinions than females? That’s how he’d interpret part of this question. Ella, Heaton Mersey, Stockport, Greater Manchester, England then sets the follow up listener question: “In the UK MP’s seem to be drifting away from thinking their role is a service to us, not a job. A job within a mosaic of other jobs and outside interests. They seem to take well paid speaking opportunities over appearing in parliament. We shouldn’t get jealous about people making money, but I think lines are often crossed where MP’s constituents are not the priority. What role does this all take in MP’s not understanding the very real concerns of their constituents when it comes to climate change?” William concludes with an action, and that is to check out what your local MP is doing so you can make an informed judgement about them. You may find this link useful in that https://members.parliament.uk/findyourmp What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.  Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message
Who’ll Dominate Next?
17-12-2023
Who’ll Dominate Next?
Co-hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow explore thought-provoking questions sent in by listeners on a wide variety of subjects, which they discuss, chew over, analyse, break down, and sometimes even debate. We like to give you an ad-free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. In this episode, Alivia from Ridgway, Illinois, USA, sparks a fascinating discussion, with her question: "What do you think could be the next dominant species after humans, or is it impossible to tell?" Stuart and William take a balanced view between ethics and knowledge, delving into the complexities of predicting the next dominant species. William argues that it's impossible to determine the future, drawing parallels with the unpredictability of human emergence after the dinosaur extinction event. Stuart, on the other hand, posits that insects, particularly ants, could be the contenders for the next dominant species. Your hosts explore the distinction between dominance and impact, considering the environmental influence of both humans and insects. They grapple with the "what if" scenario of humanity disappearing overnight and contemplate the unpredictable evolution of life on Earth. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message
The LOAF Takeover: Undoing the Mess We Made with the Climate
12-12-2023
The LOAF Takeover: Undoing the Mess We Made with the Climate
Welcome to The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, where co-hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow delve into the pressing questions sent in by listeners. In this special episode, we join forces with The LOAF Podcast, hosted by Lukas Seifert and Oliver Walsh, to tackle the following crucial question sent in by Rory from Darwin, Australia: “The world has an opportunity to reverse human caused climate change, so why doesn't it?” Stuart and William kick off the discussion by questioning the feasibility of reversing human-caused climate change, highlighting the historical carbon impact spanning over 150 years. Stuart reflects on the psychological and biological aspects of our species, emphasising the need for intergenerational thinking. The conversation pivots to the importance of unity among humans, as William argues against the prevalent "us and them" mentality. Stuart proposes that a shift in mindset among business leaders and politicians towards long-term thinking could reshape policies and priorities. On the other side, Lukas and Oliver from the LOAF Podcast, explore the deceptive comfort provided by greenwashing and superficial environmental efforts. They shed light on the socio-political challenges hindering global environmental initiatives, including the fossil fuel industry's influence on political narratives. What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not after numbers. This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.  Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends ⁠https://podfollow.com/the-peoples-countryside-environmental-debate-podcast/view⁠ , support our work through Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside⁠. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepeoplescountryside/message