Temperature Check
25 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago - ★★★★★ - 36 ratingsTemperature Check is a podcast from Grist at the intersection of climate and justice. It’s about the people leading climate action and climate solutions, and stories that show the pathways to a more sustainable, equitable future.
Season 3 is all about pivot points: How does a special education teacher nearing retirement become a renowned environmental justice advocate? What leads a climate journalist to become an electrician, or a corporate executive to create a mobility-justice nonprofit? We asked six climate and justice leaders to share their stories of changing course in their lives or careers in order to bring meaningful change to their communities.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodes
Taking on big coal to protect Navajo water
May 30, 2023 09:30 - 34 minutes - 80 MBAfter getting her linguistics degree, Nicole Horseherder planned to return home to Black Mesa and teach. But with the region’s aquifers under threat from coal companies, she rallied against them – and won. Full transcript and related reading: https://grist.org/temperature-check/nicole-horseherder-coal-navajo-water/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A life-altering bike ride
May 23, 2023 09:30 - 32 minutes - 75.5 MBStruggling with depression and on medical leave from his corporate job, Olatunji Oboi Reed decided to get his bike out of the basement and go for a ride. That ride set him on a new path that led to his current work: promoting racial equity in transportation and beyond, through his organization Equiticity. Full transcript and related reading: https://grist.org/temperature-check/olatunji-oboi-reed-equiticity-biking-equity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Becoming a future climate doctor
May 16, 2023 09:30 - 18 minutes - 42.4 MBGrowing up, Hamid Torabzadeh experienced the impacts of climate change and pollution. In high school, he found a club that showed him his path to doing something about it. Now a college freshman, he's studying to be what he calls a "new type of doctor" in the field of climate health. Full transcript and related reading: https://grist.org/temperature-check/hamid-torabzadeh-readyteens-climate-health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From theater kid to climate filmmaker
May 09, 2023 09:30 - 33 minutes - 76.9 MBMaya Lilly had achieved the dream of many a theater kid: studying at Juilliard. But when she realized her environmental activism didn’t have a home there, it set her on a mission to bring climate storytelling to mainstream audiences. It was a journey that took decades. Full transcript and related reading: https://grist.org/temperature-check/maya-lilly-climate-hollywood-producer/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why this climate writer quit to become an electrician
May 02, 2023 09:30 - 34 minutes - 79.4 MBUntil last year, Nate Johnson was a journalist at Grist, covering climate. But when he felt his passion for writing start to wane, he found a new direction — as an electrician. Now, instead of writing about the need to electrify everything, Nate is doing that work himself … and he says he is happier than ever. Full transcript and related reading: https://grist.org/temperature-check/nate-johnson-journalist-electrician/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In ‘Cancer Alley,’ a teacher called to fight
April 25, 2023 09:30 - 34 minutes - 80 MBSharon Lavigne lives in St. James Parish, Louisiana, where industrial pollution causes high cancer rates. For decades, Sharon witnessed her neighbors suffer as air quality worsened. But when yet another plant planned to open in her community, she decided to do something about it. Full transcript and related reading: https://grist.org/temperature-check/sharon-lavigne-cancer-alley-industry-formosa/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Coming soon: Temperature Check S3
April 18, 2023 09:00 - 2 minutes - 5.94 MBThis season, meet 6 very different climate and justice leaders who faced crucial pivot points in their paths to climate action. Each immersive episode follows one person's journey, and the story of how they made a big change in their life, career, or community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The power brokers
November 30, 2021 12:10 - 30 minutes - 69.8 MBValencia Gunder and Tamara Toles O’Laughlin are dedicated to improving the lives of those facing unjust conditions in frontline communities. They discuss what it means to build coalitions and work the levers of policy to combat environmental racism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The connectors
November 30, 2021 12:08 - 26 minutes - 59.9 MBFor these two Indigenous women, mentorship is “less about teaching skills and more about welcoming in.” Activists Jade Begay and Eriel Tchekwie Deranger talk about the consequences of holding in trauma, and the relief that comes from sharing that burden within their communities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The scientists
November 30, 2021 12:06 - 35 minutes - 80.6 MBHerpetologist Earyn McGee and science journalist Tien Nguyen bonded over their experiences as women of color in STEM and finding their paths from academia to media. Says Tien, “This industry needs our stories.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The joy-givers
November 30, 2021 12:04 - 35 minutes - 82.1 MBBringing as many people as possible into the environmental movement is the goal for drag queen Pattie Gonia and science writer Spencer R. Scott. And the best, most inclusive way to do that? “Collaboration, community, and joy.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The intersectionalists
November 30, 2021 12:02 - 35 minutes - 80.3 MB“When you don’t consider the nuances [among different groups of people], it can be really harmful,” says Leah Thomas, who founded Intersectional Environmentalist to do exactly that. In this episode, she speaks with her friend and mentor Teresa Baker, founder of the African American National Park Event. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The collaborators
November 30, 2021 12:00 - 30 minutes - 69.8 MBXiuhtezcatl was an aspiring hip hop artist when he met photographer Josué Rivas. The two have been collaborating ever since, documenting the struggles of Indigenous communities through powerful lyrics and provocative images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Temperature Check, Season 2
November 23, 2021 23:57 - 2 minutes - 5.9 MBMeet 6 climate and justice leaders and the people who have supported, mentored, and sustained them, as they engage in deep conversations about the world they’re building together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Access to Public Lands, Running, and Resolutions
January 15, 2021 08:00 - 27 minutes - 62 MBIn Temperature Check's final episode of the season, host Andrew Simon sits down with Grist CEO Brady Piñero Walkinshaw to recap the season's standout moments. Then, we hear from runner and filmmaker Faith Briggs about her documentary, "This Land." In it, Briggs runs 150 miles through three national monuments amid controversy surrounding public lands. And for anyone wanting to pick up running this year, she gives some tips on the easiest ways to lace up and get out the door. Further Reading ...
Climate and Fatherhood from a Weather Specialist
January 08, 2021 08:00 - 27 minutes - 63.9 MBHost Andrew Simon speaks with renowned climate and weather specialist Marshall Shepherd about what he'll be looking for in the climate arena this year under a new administration. We also learn about the inspiration behind his new book, "The Race Awakening of 2020: A 6-Step Guide for Moving Forward." Further Reading Marshall Shepherd @DrShepherd2013 on Twitter @marsh4fsu on Instagram The Race Awakening of 2020: A 6-Step Guide for Moving Forward Other publications Temperature Check is...
How Puerto Ricans are Rebuilding Post-Hurricane Maria
December 18, 2020 08:00 - 30 minutes - 70.2 MBHost Andrew Simon sits down with co-host Justin Worland of Time Magazine to talk about the biggest climate stories of 2020. Then, we hear from filmmaker Cecilia Aldarondo about her documentary "Landfall," which captures the stories of everyday Puerto Ricans living—and rebuilding—after Hurricane Maria. Further Reading Cecilia Aldarondo Find more about her film Landfall here Landfall trailer Grist 50: Cecilia Aldarondo "After Hurricane Maria, she kept the cameras rolling" @blackscrackle ...
This Doctor Has the Prescription for Both COVID and Climate
December 11, 2020 08:04 - 27 minutes - 62.3 MBHost Andrew Simon and returning co-host Angely Mercado talk big takeaways from a recent UN climate report on global warming. Then, we hear from Dr. Gaurab Basu about the relationship between people's health and planetary health. Further Reading: Dr. Gaurab Basu @GaurabBasuMDMPH on Twitter "Want to prevent the next pandemic? This doctor is prescribing climate action" Center for Health Equity Education and Advocacy Angely Mercado @AngelyMercado on Twitter @angely_mercado on Instag...
How Beyoncé, Issa Rae, and Other Black Women Lead on the Environment
December 04, 2020 08:00 - 34 minutes - 79.9 MBHost Andrew Simon and returning co-host Yessenia Funes discuss president-elect Joe Biden's climate czar pick. Then, we hear from Doctor Chelsea Frazier about Black feminism, and how it's core to saving the planet. Further Reading: Dr. Chelsea Frazier Website Twitter "Black Feminist Ecological Thought: A Manifesto" Yessenia Funes Website Twitter Her newsletter, The Frontline Leah Penniman of Soul Fire Farm Octavia Butler's The Parable Series Combahee River Collective On John Ker...
Giving thanks for Nikole Hannah-Jones
November 27, 2020 08:00 - 24 minutes - 56.5 MBThis Thanksgiving holiday, we're publishing a special episode—a podcast version of the Grist and Town Hall Seattle chat between New York Times Magazine reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones and Bloomberg CityLab writer and editor Brentin Mock. This summer, the two sat down to talk about the New York Times 1619 Project, which sheds light on the consequences of slavery in the U.S. Further Reading Grist and Town Hall Seattle present Nikole Hannah-Jones with Brentin Mock on Race, Journalism, and Justi...
The Great Green Energy Divide
November 20, 2020 08:00 - 26 minutes - 59.8 MBHost Andrew Simon and co-host Justin Worland of Time Magazine talk about the state of renewable energy in 2020. Then, we hear from Kristal Hansley, founder and CEO of We Solar. Hansley wants to bring community solar to underserved communities. Further Reading: Justin Worland Twitter Writing (2020 Is Our Last, Best Chance to Save the Planet) Newsletter Kristal Hansley Twitter We Solar Temperature Check is a podcast from Grist, produced in collaboration with Reasonable Volume. Hoste...
The Environment Under a Biden-Harris administration, Southern Cooking in Seattle, and How to Win Thanksgiving
November 13, 2020 08:00 - 31 minutes - 71.7 MBHost Andrew Simon and co-host Angely Mercado talk climate under the incoming administration. Then, we hear from James Beard award-winning Chef Edouardo Jordan about sustainable foods and diversity in the culinary industry. And stay tuned for cooking tips for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Further reading / eating: Chef Jordan on Twitter and Instagram His restaurants: Junebaby (Be sure to check out Junebaby's Encyclopedia) Salare Lucinda Angely Mercado on Twitter and Instagram Gr...
Post-Election Purgatory, And Climate Policy Gets Some Color
November 06, 2020 08:00 - 28 minutes - 65 MBHost Andrew Simon and co-host Yessenia Funes talk about what the pending results of the 2020 presidential election means for environmental justice. Then, we hear about the push for environmental equity, the recent merging of social movements, and about powwow dancing from Julian Brave NoiseCat, Vice President of Policy and Strategy at Data for Progress, a non-profit progressive think tank. Further Reading: Julian Brave NoiseCat Website Twitter The art of Ed Archie NoiseCat (Julian's f...
What Wakanda Can Teach Us About Climate Change
October 30, 2020 10:00 - 24 minutes - 55.4 MBHost Andrew Simon sits down with Gimlet Media's Kendra Pierre-Louis to learn how suburbs are harsh on the planet and how stories about solutions don't have to be boring. Plus: some of the best -- and worst-- songs that mention climate change. Further Reading & Listening: 'Wakanda Doesn't Have Suburbs': How Movies Like Black Panther Could Help Us Save the Planet The Hot 10 Climate Songs How to Save a Planet: Unnatural Disasters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Introducing Temperature Check
October 23, 2020 21:02 - 1 minute - 3.37 MBGrist is excited to introduce Temperature Check, a new show about climate, race, and culture. 2020 has been a year of reckoning with racial justice on a global scale, while another global crisis - climate change - continues to grow. But these two stories are actually one and the same: climate justice is racial justice. Join us and host Andrew Simon each week as we talk to inspiring leaders, changemakers, and journalists about the overlaps between climate change and social justice, and how un...