In Over My Head
97 episodes - English - Latest episode: 23 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsMichael is on a quest to get his environmental footprint as low as humanly possible. So he built his own off-grid Tiny House. But downsizing and minimizing weren’t enough. He had to take more drastic measures, altering his lifestyle in some extreme ways, all in the name of saving the planet. But when it comes to his goal, he still feels in over his head. He doesn’t know if all the downsizing, minimizing, reducing, reusing, recycling, and sacrificing make a difference. It’s time to bring in the experts.
Join Michael as he sits down with scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, and environmental experts to figure out how to effectively reduce his footprint in all aspects of life. From food and fast fashion to cars and caskets, he gets into what the worst culprits really are and how we can all make more informed choices when it comes to the impact we have on the planet.
If you have feedback or would like to be a guest on In Over My Head, please email: [email protected]
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Episodes
The Oldman Watershed Part 1: The Basics
April 02, 2024 13:09 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBHow is the Oldman watershed unique, why it is ecologically important, and how has our climate been changing in Alberta over the decades? In this episode, Michael explores some of the basics around the Oldman watershed, water security and climate adaptation. Featured Guests: Shannon Frank - Executive Director: Oldman Watershed Council Stefan Kienzle - Professor Emeritus: University of Lethbridge
The Oldman Watershed Part 2: Riparian Areas & Lakes
April 02, 2024 13:09 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBWhat is a riparian area and what role does it play in climate adaptation? How are lakes impacted by climate change? In this episode, Michael explores why riparian areas and lakes are important to the Oldman watershed. Featured Guests: Norine Ambrose - Executive Director: Cows & Fish Bradley Peter - Executive Director: Alberta Lake Management Society
The Oldman Watershed Part 3: Land Management & Fish
April 02, 2024 13:09 - 41 minutes - 38 MBWhat role does land management play in maintaining a healthy watershed? How are fish species affected by a changing climate and our various land uses? In this episode, Michael has some conversations about conservation in the Oldman watershed. Featured Guests: Philip Meintzer & Devon Earl - Conservation Specialists: Alberta Wilderness Association Lorne Fitch - Professional Biologist Jim Rennie - Angler & Citizen Scientist
The Oldman Watershed Part 4: Business Owners
April 02, 2024 13:09 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBHow are businesses affected by concerns around water security in the Oldman Watershed? In this episode, Michael talks with three business owners who rely on water for their livelihood. He explores why water matters to them and how they plan to adapt to a changing climate. Featured Guests: Jim Lynch-Staunton - Rancher: Antelope Butte Ranch Dwight Perry - Farmer Kelti Baird - Co-Founder & Managing Owner: Theoretically Brewing Co.
The Oldman Watershed Part 5: Looking Back
April 02, 2024 13:08 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MBHow has the Oldman watershed been developed over the centuries and were there any struggles along the way? In this episode, Michael explores the history of development in the Oldman watershed, including its significance to the Blackfoot people and its importance to settler communities. He also learns about the controversy around the construction of the Oldman River Dam. Featured Guests: Ninna Piiksii - Blackfoot Elder Tyler Stewart - Curator: Galt Museum Stewart Rood - Environment...
The Oldman Watershed Part 6: Looking Forward
April 02, 2024 13:08 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MBHow is the City of Lethbridge planning to adapt to water security concerns in our changing climate and what can you do to have an impact? In this episode, Michael explores the future of water and climate adaptation in Lethbridge. He gets a tour of the water treatment plant, learns about the city’s climate adaptation strategy and gets some advice from past guests on what you can do to get involved. Featured Guests: Doug Kaupp - General Manager of Water and Wastewater: City of Lethbr...
The Oldman Watershed Trailer
March 26, 2024 21:47 - 2 minutes - 2.1 MBMichael learns all about the Oldman watershed, exploring how communities in Southern Alberta are impacted by concerns around water security related to climate change, and how they might adapt.
Remembering Alberta Parks: Establishing the Parks
February 09, 2024 18:59 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MBWhat was the motivation behind establishing Alberta Parks? Why is researching the history of provincial parks challenging, and should we include ordinary people in park history? Michael explores these questions with environmental historian Jessica DeWitt. She explains the unique reasons for creating Alberta Parks in the 1930s and the challenges with the first provincial parks including Aspen Beach. They discuss Fish Creek Provincial Park and the urban park movement in the 1970s, u...
Remembering Alberta Parks: Ice Age Geology
February 09, 2024 18:59 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBWhat was prehistoric life like in Alberta 2.6 million years ago? What is the geologic significance of the provincial parks, and how can geology help us deepen our connection to the parks? Michael explores these questions with history and earth science educator, and author Cory Gross. They cover the unique geology of Castle Wildland Provincial Park, Kananaskis, Sheep River Provincial Park, Cypress Hills Provincial Park and more. Sandstone Prehistoric Safari's Website
Remembering Alberta Parks: An Archaeological Adventure in Glenbow Ranch
February 09, 2024 18:58 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBWhat unique history is buried under Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park? What is it like leading your first archaeological dig? What makes Glenbow Ranch ecologically significant and why does it need to be protected? Michael explores these questions with archaeologist, historian, and author Shari Peyerl. Their conversation focuses on Shari's book, Alberta's Cornerstone Archaeological Adventures in Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. They cover the sandstone quarry of the 1900s, its significanc...
Remembering Alberta Parks: Miquelon & Park Interpretation
February 09, 2024 18:58 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBWhat makes Miquelon Lake Provincial Park historically unique? What benefits do visitors get from their time at a provincial park? What is the history of park interpretation programs and why are they important today? Michael explores these questions with the University of Alberta's Glen Hvenegaard. They cover the history of Miquelon as a migratory bird sanctuary in the 1920s, its significance as a UNESCO biosphere and a dark sky preserve, the start of park interpretation programs in...
Remembering Alberta Parks: Conservation in Kananaskis
February 09, 2024 18:58 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBHistorically, what is the ecological significance of Kananaskis? What development concerns have arisen in the past, and what can people do to ensure this space is managed appropriately? Michael explores these questions with Executive Director of CPAWS Southern Alberta Katie Morrison. They cover the ecological recognition of Kananaskis in the 1940s, the establishment of the Kananaskis country concept in the 1970s, CPAWS involvement in challenging development projects in the 1990s, a...
Remembering Alberta Parks: Indigenous Heritage at Áísínai’pi
February 09, 2024 18:58 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBWhat is the significance of Áísínai'pi (Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park) to the Niitsítapi people? What is the role of policy in indigenous groups maintaining their spiritual connection to Áísínai'pi? How is the indigenous cultural understanding of heritage unique? Michael explores these questions with heritage management practitioner Camina Weasel Moccasin. They cover the park's establishment in the 1950s, the shift to the Blackfoot cultural connection in the 1970s, Camina's rese...
Remembering Alberta Parks: An Uplifting Conversation in the Crowsnest Pass (bonus)
February 09, 2024 18:58 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBIn this bonus episode, Michael chats with small business owner Heather Davis about Uplift Adventures, a Crowsnest Pass-based outdoor tourism company. Heather explains how Uplift Adventures got its start, the realities of running a small business in the parks, and the historical significance of the Crowsnest Pass. Lastly, Heather offers advice on how you can connect to nature in a meaningful way and what's next for her company. Uplift Adventures Website
Remembering Alberta Parks Trailer
February 07, 2024 14:25 - 2 minutes - 2.06 MBMichael explores the unique and sometimes surprising history of Alberta Parks. He learns about Aspen Beach, Miquelon, Glenbow Ranch, Fish Creek, Castle Wildland, Aisinai’pi and more. You'll be inspired to protect our parks for the future by discovering their past.
Connecting to the Ocean Part 1: Conversation & Conservation
November 20, 2023 23:22 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBWhy do we need to have conversations and new narratives about small-scale fisheries, how we govern the ocean, and progress in marine conservation efforts? In this episode, Michael speaks with: Ratana Chuenpagdee, Memorial University, Canada Evan Andrews, Memorial University, Canada Jack Daly, Oceana, Canada Ocean Frontier Institute Too Big to Ignore Oceana Canada
Connecting to the Ocean Part 2: Health & Wealth
November 20, 2023 23:22 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBCan coastal and ocean development happen without affecting the health of the ocean and marine ecosystems, and the economic viability and wellbeing of coastal communities? In this episode, Michael speaks with: Rob Stephenson, Fisheries and Oceans & University of New Brunswick, Canada Gerald Singh, University of Victoria, Canada Brennan Lowery, Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre, Canada John Norman, Mayor of Bonavista, Canada Ocean Frontier Institute
Connecting to the Ocean Part 3: Equity & Justice
November 20, 2023 23:21 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBEquity and justice are fundamental principles, but do they exist in small-scale fisheries, especially related to access to resources, management and regulations, and from the historical perspective? In this episode, Michael speaks with: Paul Foley, Memorial University, Canada Edith Samson, Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation, Canada Lil Saul, Fisherwoman, Twillingate, Canada Ryan, a fish harvester from Petty Harbour, Canada Ocean Frontier Institute
Connecting to the Ocean Part 4: Saftey & Order
November 20, 2023 23:21 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBFishing, fish processing and maritime work are risky occupations. What needs to be done to provide better protection, and enhance occupational health and safety for those involved? In this episode, Michael speaks with: Barb Neis, Memorial University, Canada Joel Finnis, Memorial University, Canada Desai Shan, Memorial University / Dalhousie University, Canada Ocean Frontier Institute
Connecting to the Ocean Part 5: Future & Vision
November 20, 2023 23:20 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MBWhat is the future of small-scale fisheries, in Newfoundland and Labrador? Who’s going to fish? What will make people stay in the fisheries? What’s the vision of the communities for their own future? In this episode, Michael speaks with: María Andrée López Gómez, Memorial University, Canada / Center for Demographic Research, Spain Rachael Cadman, Dalhousie University, Canada Dawn Mercer, DFO, Canada Ocean Frontier Institute
Connecting to the Ocean Part 6: Connection & Transformation
November 20, 2023 23:20 - 50 minutes - 46 MBOcean and coastal connections start at home, with youth, and in communities. In a time of big change – climate, demography, policy, what kind of transformation is needed? What’s the starting point? In this episode, Michael speaks with: Jan Negrijn, Coastal Connections, Canada Kimberly Orren, Fishing for Success, Canada Monica Engel, Memorial University, Canada and previous guests Ocean Frontier Institute Fishing for Success
Connecting to the Ocean Trailer
November 14, 2023 14:50 - 2 minutes - 2.05 MBMichael is off to St. John's Newfoundland to connect with the ocean and learn about why small-scale fisheries and governance matter to conservation and sustainability.
Be Right Back...
July 10, 2023 19:23 - 1 minute - 1.14 MBIn Over My Head will take a short break until November to allow time to work on a big upcoming season. Listen to Michael’s message for a sneak peek of what’s coming.
Rethinking Growth Part 6: The Good Life
June 09, 2023 15:07 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBMichael chats with the University of Geneva’s Marlyne Sahakian about rethinking growth and the good life. They focus the conversation around the book Consumption Corridors: Living a Good Life within Sustainable Limits and discuss why setting upper and lower consumption limits is so important. Marlyne explains the difference between human desires, needs and satisfiers. They touch on the normalization effect, the elusive goal of happiness, freedom, social lock-in, embracing enoughness...
Rethinking Growth Part 5: Becoming Human
June 02, 2023 19:59 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MBMichael chats with the University of Florida's Susan Paulson about the human side of rethinking growth. They discuss the problem of exploitation and inequality and how to make our system more equitable. Susan touches on the benefit of the commons including worker-run cooperatives and time-banks. They cover alternatives to GDP for measuring well-being such as the National Happiness Index. Susan stresses the importance of policy in making a change and shares her vision of what a good ...
Rethinking Growth Part 4: Higher Education
May 26, 2023 15:05 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBMichael chats with Yale-NUS College’s Michael Maniates about the role of higher education in rethinking growth. They talk about the connection between economic growth and post-secondary, and what a genuinely sustainable campus should prioritize. Professor Maniates highlights the importance of a university's adaptive function in a post-growth world and the power of research to advance human prosperity. He also links higher education to degrowth ideas such as reduced working hours, pr...
Rethinking Growth Part 3: Debt
May 19, 2023 14:30 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MBMichael chats with Erasmus University Rotterdam's Julien-Francois Gerber about how debt impacts our ability to rethink growth. They discuss the relationship between credit and growth, and how debt affects the environment and us as people. Julien gives us a history lesson on why we traditionally borrowed money and brings to life past monetary alternatives like decaying money, social credit, and prosperity certificates. He also covers anti-debt conflicts, debtors unions, community alt...
Rethinking Growth Part 2: Work
May 12, 2023 17:34 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBMichael chats with Concordia University’s Bengi Akbulut about the future of work in a world rethinking growth. They start by discussing Bengi’s Turkish heritage and critics of economic growth in the context of Turkey. Bengi talks about feminist engagement with degrowth including unpaid care labour and the gender distribution of work. They cover Universal Basic Income and Universal Basic Servies' role in redefining work. Lastly, Bengi touches on work-time reduction, work as identity ...
Rethinking Growth Part 1: Innovation
May 05, 2023 15:52 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBMichael chats with the University of Vigo’s Mario Pansera about innovation's role in rethinking growth. They discuss his Post-Growth Innovation Lab's work, including their Prospera project. Mario talks about the myth of neutral technology and our social organization around technology. He also touches on ownership, class structure, the commons, and justice dimensions. Lastly, he offers advice on what you can do to have an impact. Post-Growth Innovation Lab El Tallar del Postcrecimi...
In Over My Head: Rethinking Growth Trailer
April 28, 2023 15:44 - 2 minutes - 2.21 MBGrowth - especially the green kind - is always good, right? But to actually solve the climate crisis perhaps we need to rethink our reverence for the gospel of growth. Starting Friday, May 5, over six weeks Michael explores degrowth and post-growth with experts from around the world. What do our work, education, money and life look like when we prioritize people and the planet over endless growth?
The Little Things: Kitchenware
March 16, 2023 01:07 - 20 minutes - 19 MBIn this new segment, Michael explores the little everyday choices we make to lower our environmental impact. He talks to the University of Michigan's Shelie Miller about reusable kitchenware including straws, cutlery, coffee cups and sandwich bags to see if they're always more environmentally friendly than the single-use versions.
Planet-saving Superstar: New Myrnam School
February 10, 2023 18:33 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBIn this special edition of Planet-saving superstar, Michael takes a road trip to New Myrnam School east of Edmonton Alberta to see the sustainable building projects they have been working on over the last 6 years. From solar-powered golf carts to an off-grid Tiny House bus conversion, New Myrnam School is preparing their youth to be leaders in our low-carbon future. Michael chatted with staff, students, and parents to learn how these projects have benefited the school and the commun...
Catching Up Over Coffee with Kathleen Sheppard
January 18, 2023 17:40 - 9 minutes - 8.52 MBMichael briefly sat down with Kathleen Sheppard from Environment Lethbridge to reminisce about the inaugural episode, and chat about what Environment Lethbridge is up to now. Kathleen also offers advice on how to start talking about climate change with friends or family. In Over My Head Website Climate Cafe
Changing Minds Part 6: Misinformation & Mistrust
December 16, 2022 17:30 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBMichael speaks with the University of Oxford’s Sacha Altay all about misinformation and mistrust. Sacha covers why miscommunication happens, the challenge of conveying scientific information, and the importance of trust. He touches on the role of media, the challenge of changing our own opinions, and irrationality. They discuss online versus offline communication, beliefs, and what you can do to have an impact. In Over My Head Website Sacha Altay's Website
Changing Minds Part 5: Getting Emotional
December 16, 2022 17:29 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBMichael speaks with the University of Groningen’s Linda Steg all about emotions. They discuss the connection between emotion and pro-environmental behaviour. She covers the role of identity and groups in predicting emotional reactions. Linda highlights how our biases factor in, and the influence of media. She stresses the importance of values and exposes some of our misperceptions about environmental psychology. Lastly, Linda offers advice on what you can do to have an impact. In O...
Changing Minds Part 4: Slaying our Dragons
December 16, 2022 17:29 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBMichael speaks with the University of Victoria’s Robert Gifford to discuss the Dragons of Inaction. Robert explains what these psychological dragons are and how his work started. They make their way through the lair, exploring the seven genera of dragons including limited cognition, social comparison, sunk cost, and ideology. Robert offers solutions to slay your dragons and what you can do to have an impact. In Over My Head Website Robert Gifford's Website
Changing Minds Part 3: Mental Health
December 16, 2022 17:28 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBMichael speaks with the College of Wooster’s Susan Clayton all about our mental health and climate change. They discuss climate anxiety, including who is most affected, its connection to inaction, and the role of media. Susan touches on climate change denial and the importance of identity and attachment to place. She highlights the connection to nature and well-being, as well as the value of social interactions, and human connection. Lastly, she offers advice on what you can do to h...
Changing Minds Part 2: Culture Shift
December 16, 2022 17:28 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MBMichael speaks with Chris Bryant all about changing the culture when it comes to cultured meat. Chris covers what cultured meat is, and how people feel about it. They discuss the social barriers to accepting meat alternatives. Chris breaks down the psychological barriers as well, examining the diffusion of innovations, status quo, habit, cognitive dissonance, framing and more. They also tackle the role of media, identity, social norms and regulation. Lastly, Chris offers advice on w...
Changing Minds Part 1: Climate Comedy
December 16, 2022 17:27 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBMichael talks with the University of Colorado Boulder’s Beth Osnes about how comedy motivates climate action. Beth describes her art and gets into the history of comedy in theatre through the ages. She takes us to her climate communication class, sharing her students' experiences doing stand-up and sketch comedy. Beth highlights effective types of comedy to convey climate information, including good-natured comedy. She talks about her musical Shine and the importance of telling auth...
In Over My Head: Changing Minds Trailer
December 15, 2022 00:38 - 2 minutes - 2 MBMichael talks with experts from around the world about environmental psychology. From confirmation bias to cognitive dissonance, they'll be thinking deeply about all the ways our cognition hinders or helps climate change.
Planter-saving Superstar: Alison Gu
November 12, 2022 17:10 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBMichael chats with Alison Gu, who at the age of 24 became a Councillor for the city of Burnaby British Columbia. Alison talks about her journey into politics, and some of the important climate-related work she is doing. She also offers advice for anyone considering a political career.
Our Digital Life Part 6: The Cloud
October 14, 2022 15:32 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBMichael speaks with Steven Gonzalez about the human side of The Cloud. They cover the environmental impact of The Cloud and why it is so energy-hungry. Steven takes us on a journey to places like Printer's Row in Chicago, or Chandler, Arizona where the noise or water pollution from data centres is affecting these communities. He puts us in the shoes of the people running our data centres, and the demands it places on them. Steven eloquently describes the social and cultural aspects ...
Our Digital Life Part 5: Artificial Intelligence
October 14, 2022 15:32 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MBMichael speaks with Henrik Saetra about the role of Artificial Intelligence as it relates to the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. They discuss how AI can influence climate action, the double-edged nature of AI, Big Tech, and social inequality. Henrik touches on AI and the shifting of power, data colonialism, privacy as a public good, and AI ethics. They discuss the role of human imperfection in our digital life and abstaining from certain AI. Lastly, Henrik offers advice on wh...
Our Digital Life Part 4: Smart Green World
October 14, 2022 15:32 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBMichael speaks with Tilman Santarius about making our world greener through digitalization. They focus on his latest book Smart Green World? Making Digitalization Work for Sustainability. Tilman explains the problem of add-on consumption of digitalization, rebound effects, radical digitalization and digital sufficiency. Michael and Tilman discuss the importance of getting sustainable apps out of the niche and into the mainstream. They cover decentralization, digital governance, and ...
Our Digital Life Part 3: The Right to Repair
October 14, 2022 15:32 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MBMichael speaks with Ugo Vallauri, co-founder of The Restart Project, a UK-based charity that inspires and supports people to repair their digital devices. Ugo talks about what it's like to attend one of their restart parties and the exciting growth of the organization over the last decade. They discuss the environmental impact of the smartphone, and the importance of extending the life of our devices. Lastly, Ugo highlights the Right to Repair campaign, what you can do to make your ...
Our Digital Life Part 2: Video Streaming
October 14, 2022 15:31 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBMichael speaks with Dr. Kelly Widdicks all about video streaming and our demand for data. She explains the findings of her study looking at household data demand in the UK and discusses media-multitasking, digital sufficiency, and streaming music through YouTube. She stresses the importance of putting pressure on data providers and explains the larger impact of ICT. They discuss efficiency and consumption, rebound effects, and what you can to do have an impact. In Over My Head We...
Our Digital Life Part 1: Sustainable Delivery
October 14, 2022 15:31 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBMichael speaks with Dr. Anne Goodchild all about making urban freight more sustainable. Dr. Goodchild describes the journey your package takes from ordering to arriving, and what items are typically moving around a city. She stresses the importance of consolidated delivery, and what might erode this. Dr. Goodchild discusses some of her sustainable pilot projects focusing on the final 50 feet, including a locker program, and e-cargo bikes. She also shares some of her findings on dron...
In Over My Head: Our Digital Life Trailer
October 12, 2022 16:05 - 2 minutes - 1.9 MBMichael connects virtually with experts from around the world to talk about our digital life. He's going to try and figure out how all our clicks, comments, and constant connectivity affect the climate crisis, and what we can do about it.
BONUS: The Carbon Footprint of Cash
September 20, 2022 00:12 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBOne topic Michael couldn't fit into his conversations around money was the carbon footprint of money itself. So in this bonus episode, he sits down with Ravi Shankar Chaturvedi, Co-founder and Director of Research at Digital Planet to chat about the carbon footprint of cash. They discuss the life-cycle of cash, and how it compares to other transactions such as cryptocurrency. They touch on the need to study the environmental impact of other types of digital payment and what you can ...
Planet-saving Superstar: Megan Takeda-Tully
August 23, 2022 23:33 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBMichael chats with Megan Takeda-Tully, Founder and CEO of Suppli, a Toronto-based reusable takeout container company. Megan talks about the logistics around implementing this zero-waste solution, the journey to making her idea a reality, and the committed community Suppli has built around sustainable takeout. In Over My Head Website Suppli Website