The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast (The People's Countryside)
Explorez tous les épisodes de The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast
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| 10 Nov 2020 | TPC: Listener Question Time: Are Heat waves Down To Climate Change? | 00:12:57 | |
In this episode Stuart and William delve into a question sent in by listener Kenny from Pembrokeshire, "This year in the UK was saw temperatures reach 34°C for nearly a week, is this down to man made climate change?". | |||
| 21 Sep 2021 | What's In Charge Destiny or Chaos? | 00:19:04 | |
Hopefully this podcast will help persuade you, entertain you, inspire you, and inform you. Stretch your thinking at the very least! Stuart and William, once again head off on another roaming, meandering discussion, exploring and examining a listener question, this time from Adel in Christchurch, New Zealand. The question, is simply, "Who’s in charge?". ANNOUNCEMENT! The podcast format, for the first time, will be expanded and presented in front of a live face to face audience. On the 25th September 2021, 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Stuart and William will be jointly hosting, with The Bothy Vineyard, the first ever live iteration of the podcast format. You can book your tickets today, by following the link below. Apologies for listeners outside of the UK, as this will only be an exclusive in person event, not online, and won't be recorded, or have a 'listen again' option. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/166481327131 SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT! Stuart and William will be leading an alphabet walk around the Turrill Sculpture Garden in Summertown, Oxford. What makes this an alphabet walk? Well, William and Stuart will take a letter each, and work their way through the alphabet, to focus our attention on the world around us through their separate areas of expertise. Book your ticket today via Eventbrite: Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. | |||
| 04 Aug 2024 | Stereotypes and Superiority | 00:19:01 | |
Join your co-hosts of The People’s Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow, as they delve into two thought-provoking discussions on stereotypes and superiority, which as always were sparked by questions that listeners have sent in. The first question they delve into is from Yahya, Casablanca-Settat, Morocco - “How do society’s stereotypes influence you personally?” During their discussions they explore the pervasive influence of stereotypes in our daily lives. Stuart emphasises the constant effort required to overcome these preconceived notions, while acknowledging their role in providing predictability, in certain situations. William examines character stereotypes in politics, particularly focusing on right-wing portrayals of immigrants, and discusses how easily anyone can fall into stereotyping people. The hosts then engage in a candid conversation about the most damaging stereotypes in the United Kingdom. The second question they discuss is from Milica, Podgorica, Montenegro - “As you don’t have too many more listener questions lined up, I thought I’d send one in. Who are you superior to yourselves do you think?” Stuart kicks off the second part of the discussion by playfully claiming superiority over William, while William shares his focus on bettering himself, and only uses the comparison of his past self. Stuart elaborates on feeling superior in specific contexts and activities, without considering himself generally superior to others. As the episode concludes, Stuart and William pose a thought-provoking question that ties the discussion back to environmental concerns: "Do you see yourself as being superior to 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: https://www.change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels | |||
| 16 Apr 2023 | Exploring Ethical Eating | 00:17:01 | |
Have you ever stopped to think about where your meat comes from, and what the quality is like? Ultimately, shouldn't we make sure the meat we eat is of the best quality? Join Stuart and William for another listener lead conversation, with today’s question coming from Ron in Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire, England, which is as follows: “I’m still enjoying your output, even if you keep calling me Rod, keep it up. I like the way you raise some of the little explored ideas within your recordings, moving away from the more mainstream angles and thinking. Opens you up to controversy, but a reaction is better than none I suppose. So, my question, I’m less convinced about the environmental arguments against eating meat, I’m more convinced by the ethical reasons not to. Does it really matter? I think whatever you eat, you should always go for good food, and generally the ethics will follow. Also, are farmers really benefiting from the subsidies they receive to produce, or is the consumer the one being subsidised, by being able to keep buying unsustainably cheap food? Maybe, if food was more costly, people would eat less, and there would be less obesity?” During this discussion Stuart and William ask you, the listener, to think about where your meat comes from, as generally, the cheaper the meat is, the lower the quality. They also suggest we all do some research, and consider the environmental impact of meat production, which involves a vast amount of water consumption. Also, they urge you to consider how bringing ethics into meat production will naturally help the environment. In this episode Stuart and William discuss the upcoming Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted event, this podcasts format expanded and made more experiential, then set in front of a live audience, and arranged to take place next on May 27th at the former Bothy Vineyard in Oxfordshire, 3.30pm to 9pm. To secure your tickets for this event, use the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/environmental-debate-live-unscripted-tickets-514832145807 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside
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| 15 Oct 2023 | Social Media’s Reality Distortion | 00:40:29 | |
Suzi Darrington is once again sat in the ‘Listener’s Chair’ alongside Stuart and William for this listener question from Ronny, in Denchworth, Oxfordshire, England. “Are young people's perception of reality distorted by the cultural influences of their preferred social media platforms?” Suzi talks about the different phones she had when younger, saying her first smartphone was at the age of 12. Her generation grew up with social media, and has always had it as a big part of her life. She’s never had a phone that didn’t have social media on it. In the past you’d have to dedicate time to social media, she now carries it around in her back pocket. This makes her feel a bit trapped, but acknowledges she puts it on herself. The conclusion is social media is an addiction, it taps into addictive behaviours, similar to how fruit machines entice people. The next generation are getting much shorter form content, that’s more addictive, and Suzi can see how this kind of content could shape views. There's a growing community of men who hate women, with the social media world reshaping reality. Suzi delves into the reality of how these men hate women, and how they look up to individuals who perpetuate those thoughts. Her conclusion is that she’d need to be really self aware to fully understand the impact Instagram has had on her, with the content being so clean and saturated. She feels Instagram has placed a pressure on how she looks and gives her an unrealistic expectation of reality. Even the content that’s supposed to show reality, itself has been curated and selected. Social media has a bigger influence on her when she isn’t busy. When she’s got things to do, she uses it less. After re-reading the question Suzi talks about how each social media platform has a different feeling, and in fact over her lifetime these platforms have changed. Material that is against what you believe is pushed to you just to get a reaction, as it keeps engagement on that platform’ It engenders arguments, which in turn distorts people’s perception of reality. Suzi feels that social media is heading towards more short form content, more outrage, trying to keep people on the platforms as much as possible. Consuming, commenting, reacting. Tik Tok has been accused of causing frenzies of activity, and yes, social media can be a great place to connect, but a bad place to feel you truly belong. William raises an action we can all consider is to do nothing, and feel comfortable with being bored, and to change the word to want rather than to need. We need to stop filling our time with ‘stuff’ and activity, and spend time actively just sitting and being. Stuart asks where this kind of thinking and behaviour is going? Both he and William lived before the advent of social media, which prompts Suzi to ask what they actually did with their time. They just got on with life! During this episode this fundraiser is mentioned, check it out https://www.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, so be assured, that will never happen. 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 | |||
| 10 Oct 2021 | BREAKING NEWS! Our Climate Is In Crisis | 00:20:39 | |
"If the climate crisis was front page news, every day, the public would demand we do something about it, and those with vested interests, and billionaires that own the media, would lose their short term cash cow". Stuart and William once again embark on a roaming natural style of conversation. Making what could be a deep academic debate, into a relatable and accessible exploration for everyone. The big issues are something we all need to engage with, so listen in as they discuss a question from listener Robert in Arizona, USA. Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. | |||
| 08 Nov 2022 | Is the Commonwealth, A Common Wealth? | 00:12:29 | |
“Seems a bit strange that some countries want to leave the Commonwealth, but still have the Queen as head of state, and that some countries like Mozambique want to join this group of nations, without really being part of the old British empire”. This discussion as a whole is mainly framed around whether or not the Commonwealth is still relevant, and what both the pros and cons of membership are. Stuart and William took the accuracy of the above question, sent in by Trevor in Wood Farm, Oxford, England, very much at face value, and their resulting recorded discussion shows that they don’t have a strong knowledge of the true Commonwealth concept, and nor do many listeners it seems. During subsequent research after the recording, which was the action suggested during the episode, they found that Mozambique is actually already a member of the Commonwealth, as is South Africa, which neither Stuart or William were sure about. The fact that Mozambique was a British Colony but not constitutionally governed by Britain was another subsequent piece of learning, and you’ll note William didn’t feel during the recording that Mozambique was even a former colony. Stuart and William always try to be proactive podcast presenters, and continue to look at these questions even after the recording sessions end, so they continue their learning. We hope these discussions inspire you too to keep learning about the issues raised in this podcast's output, even when the episodes conclude. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside 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 or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. | |||
| 15 Sep 2020 | TPC: Listener Question Revisited: Are We Optimistic Business And The Government Will Get Behind The Challenge We Face To Fend Off The Climate Crisis? | 00:26:55 | |
In this episode, Stuart and William discuss this question from Beth in Florida, "Are we optimistic business and the government will get behind the challenge we face to fend off the climate crisis?". | |||
| 02 Oct 2022 | Social Justice Agenda | 00:28:22 | |
“Who sets the agenda in social justice issues?” Stuart and William are not shy of tackling the big questions, and they don't come bigger than the type of question above, which was sent in by Heather in Ablington, Wiltshire, England. This question sparked a discussion around having a lot of privilege, particularly if you're unaware of that privilege. They talk about how admitting you're wrong can be a hard step to take, but it is also often a healthy one, together how those in power, or the unfairly advantaged, can often set the agenda. They also steer the conversation away from social justice at times and talk about the impact of people like Martin Lewis, and even discuss the big question, is this the start of societal collapse? 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message Here's your chance to meet the hosts of this podcast. Stuart and William will be headed to the Oxfordshire village of Harwell, where they will be giving a talk about wildlife in everyday gardens, for the Harwell Gardening Club, the talk begins at 7:30pm. It will be at St Matthews Church, OX11 0EZ. You can find out more with the following link: https://harwellvillage.uk/harwell-gardeners-club-2022/ This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 21 May 2023 | Effective Awareness Campaigns | 00:13:24 | |
Are awareness campaigns that are based around TV shows, actually effective? Aren’t stories direct from a person you can identify with more powerful? Do we too easily get stuck in the position that everything happens to other people, and not ourselves? Ron from Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire, England, has sent in another listener question, detailed below, which triggered yet another off the cuff conversation between co-hosts Stuart and William. “I’ve heard that a comedian who has had testicular cancer, and was involved in the awareness campaign before he was diagnosed, still didn’t check himself, even though the campaign was telling that message. Does that mean these awareness campaigns headed up by the famous, do very little? Is sharing life experience and true stories more powerful?” Campaigns fronted by celebrities aren’t going to create change on their own, that's Stuart and William’s take, what do you think? They feel we shouldn’t get rid of these awareness campaigns though, we need to set them alongside powerful stories about actual life situations. If any of us were to go and listen to an empowered speaker, the key, they feel, is whether we take that inspiration into our own life, and change our own habits, and not just go home from the experience and go straight back to normal life, without making changes if needed. During this episode Stuart and William discuss the upcoming Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted event, this podcasts format expanded and made more experiential, then set in front of a live audience, and arranged to take place next on May 27th at the former Bothy Vineyard in Oxfordshire 3.30pm to 9pm. To secure your tickets for this event, use the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/environmental-debate-live-unscripted-tickets-514832145807 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. | |||
| 19 Nov 2023 | Ruffling the Feathers of the Debate on Captive Birds of Prey | 00:14:46 | |
Join co-hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow, as they embark on the kind of conversation you’d overhear at the pub. This discussion was prompted by a thought-provoking question sent in from listener Alvaro in Spain, which is as follows: "Do you feel the use of captive trained birds of prey is a good way of dispersing other birds like pigeons and gulls?" Stuart shares a poignant tale of clashes at a local rubbish tip, revealing the complexities of labelling creatures like gulls and pigeons as vermin The discussion extends to the root causes — our burgeoning rubbish piles. William questions the true efficacy of using trained birds, while Stuart introduces a compelling analogy: these birds are like brooms, clearing the immediate surroundings. The debate explores whether using these birds is a practical solution, or, just a PR gesture. The discussion extends to the root causes — our burgeoning rubbish piles. William questions the true efficacy of using trained birds, while Stuart introduces a compelling analogy: these birds are like brooms, clearing the immediate surroundings. The debate explores whether using these birds is a practical solution, or, just a PR gesture. 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 | |||
| 26 Dec 2021 | Humanity's Biggest Threat | 00:15:28 | |
"Is human survival a niche interest, proactively marginalised by those wanting to distract us away from the biggest threat man has to face?" Once again, Stuart and William, delve into, discuss, and perhaps slightly overanalyse a question from a long-term listener, which this time comes from Ivy in Worthing, West Sussex, England. Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. Or you can record your question in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message Support this work through Patreon or just 'follow' so you don't miss any of the public posts https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 20 Jun 2023 | It’s World Refugee Day | 00:03:41 | |
Hosts Stuart and William, mark World Refugee Day, in this bonus episode of The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. World Refugee Day honours the strength and courage of refugees, and encourages public awareness and support of the refugees, people who have had to flee their home lands because of conflict or natural disaster. Refugees are vulnerable and in need, and are often misunderstood and maligned. They can often have very little or none of their possessions and little food, because they’ve had to leave their homes with nothing or with what they can carry. They suffer cold, hunger, trauma, despair, disease, violence and loss. The awareness day is to help public understanding of refugees as well as raising support and help. Across the world, agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, work tirelessly to help refugees. Yet with people being made refugees daily, more help and awareness is constantly needed, to ensure that refugees are treated fairly and provided for. rather than being neglected or shunned, which is why there are projects to re-settle and provide for refugees. So World Refugee Day highlights all of this. And now it also marks the launch of the ‘With Refugees’ petition, which will state the needs and potential rights of refugees. You can find out more about World Refugee Day on the following website: https://www.unhcr.org/world-refugee-day | |||
| 12 Nov 2023 | Is Going To Court The Answer? | 00:13:44 | |
“Do you think Prince Harry spending a reported billion pounds taking the UK press to court is doing society any kind of favours?” That’s the listener question that’s been sent in by Russ in Harcourt Hill, Oxford, England, for co-hosts Stuart and William to discuss. William and Stuart start off by talking about what exactly Prince Harry is taking the UK press to court for. William goes onto say that Prince Harry isn’t the only person taking the UK press to court. Stuart raises how the world of law is expensive and goes on to to talk about how Prince Harry uses the media to help him, but it goes too far the other way. There is some bad journalism out there. He asks whether we drive what journalists produce, or do they drive us? Stuart finds the question leaves him a bit cold, so the court proceedings might not be relevant to the rest of us. He feels that there’s all kinds of psychology involved in what is motivating Prince Harry to pursue this, and an action for us to take is to maybe explore options outside the court of law. Is that a last resort, and what are the measures before that? William feels that this case is highlighting that the behaviour of the press needs to be monitored. He sees that would make the press fairer. He further raises that the press know how to create antagonistic headlines to generate an emotional response, to get people to click or buy. William asks if Russ is asking where the money is coming from? Is it private or public? 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 | |||
| 07 Feb 2023 | Humans Outside Of Nature | 00:16:51 | |
As a species we like a sterile, safe and controlled environment, that’s maybe why we detach ourselves from nature? It’s a form of control. This is just one of the conclusions Stuart and William came to as they discussed the following question from listener Ignacio in Peru: “Is there a defined time when man started to see himself outside of nature and not part of it, or was it a steady evolution? To me the advent of agriculture and harvesting crops was a key point, as from there it seems if a piece of land and wildlife is under the influence of man then it's considered outside of nature, and the stuff outside of man's influence is nature. As you guys have said in previous episodes though, almost all habitats look how they do because of man's influence, but is that really a good measure of what is nature and what isn’t, and why do we insist on seeing ourselves outside of it? Maybe the writers of the world should include the message more that we are part of it and not separate?” During this episode the co-hosts go on to discuss the very humancentric concern about the pointlessness of life, and how in the end everything lives and dies, begins and ends. They discuss how at times everything outside of human control can be perceived as dangerous, if we choose that mindset, and how it’s the narrative that we use that separates us from nature, a narrative that can make us feel that we’re superior. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside 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 or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. | |||
| 27 Jun 2023 | Guilty Of Unrealistic Expectations And Assumptions? TRIGGER WARNING!!! | 00:11:51 | |
TRIGGER WARNING!!! If you’re listening to this episode with your children, cover their ears! There’s a lot of swearing! We’ve not edited it out as the feeling behind the delivery, this time, really reinforces the point being made, and brings to life the story behind told. This podcast's overall essence and themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Today's listener question comes from Colin in Saarland, Germany. It's short and concise, but enough meat on the bone for Stuart and William, your co-hosts, to survive on. Here it is: “Who or what has let you down or disappointed you in recent times?” They explore if a person actually lets us down, or is it our expectations of them haven’t been met? To be let down we need to have an expectation in the first place, is that always the case though? Stuart and William are very honest with who they feel have let them down, and explore what that really means. A very personal episode for them both. Who do you feel has let you down? Did they really let you down or did you have unrealistic or improbable expectations? 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message | |||
| 03 Jan 2021 | TPC: Listener Question Time: Is The 2050 Carbon Emission Target Going To Cause Volatility Within The Oil Industry? | 00:14:55 | |
In this episode Stuart and William explore a question from listener Mick in Garsington, Oxfordshire, England, "It's discussed that we need to aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, whether that's quick enough for capturing carbon already emitted remains to be seen. I have to say if this transition happens to quickly it could cause volatility in the oil industry, and effect the world economy hugely on a global, and local basis. How can balance and measure be used in this necessary transition?". | |||
| 24 Dec 2020 | What Is The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast? | 00:08:19 | |
Stuart and William talk all things The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. Who we are, and what we do. Maybe you're a long time listener, or this could be the first time you've heard this podcast, Stuart and William also explain the future of the podcast, including it becoming a live show, in front of a live audience, online and on the stage, as Environmental Debate Live and Unscripted. | |||
| 22 Dec 2024 | Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences: Are They Sustainable? | 00:19:32 | |
It's the 22nd of December! Ready for Christmas, if you celebrate it? If you don't, hopefully you’ll have a good day on the 25th, whatever you do. Your co-hosts don't see the questions before they press record. They approach it cold. There are enough experts out there. Stuart and William are just two guys willing to explore the unknown. The first listener question today is set by Payton, in Philadelphia , USA - “Does pursuing ‘Once In A Lifetime Experiences’ in our individual lives really help counteract the collective impacts of climate change, or is it better to align our collective focuses for the collective good, as we hunt out the opportunities for change?” Stuart begins by questioning the sustainability of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, suggesting that if they involve high energy consumption, they do little to contribute positively. William responds by highlighting a scenario where someone flies thousands of miles to witness a unique event, consuming vast resources for a single occasion, which undeniably impacts the environment. Stuart argues that every moment is technically a once-in-a-lifetime experience, thus reducing the significance of labeling certain events as such. William adds that these experiences are exclusive and personal, like weddings who most see as being unique when they are not. Stuart emphasizes that genuine once-in-a-lifetime experiences are those that profoundly open one's eyes and are difficult to orchestrate artificially. He expresses a preference for focusing on collective benefits rather than individual, fleeting moments. Ultimately, Stuart suggests prioritizing actions for the collective good over indulging in once-in-a-lifetime experiences, as this aligns better with addressing the collective impacts of climate change. Hobbs, from Florida, in the USA offers up today's second question - “I’m sending this question just as the Paris Olympics is ending. What were your takes on it?” William reported minimal engagement with the 2024 Olympics from him, being only marginally aware of the event's occurrence. In contrast, Stuart shared his experience of viewing the 2024 Olympics, acknowledging a personal perception of the event as contrived and less authentic compared to past games. Stuart conveyed significant annoyance with the event, expressing relief upon its conclusion. The discussion between Stuart and William then shifted to the environmental implications of hosting the Olympics. William highlighted the environmental impact resulting from the influx of spectators and participants traveling long distances. Stuart posed a critical question regarding the sustainability of hosting the Olympic Games, does the environmental cost justify the event? William echoed this sentiment by questioning the overall worth of the Games in light of their environmental footprint. Stuart further questioned the motivations behind hosting such large-scale events, probing the authenticity of audience reactions and considering whether they are genuinely individual responses or influenced by societal pressures. 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 Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: Petition Link Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: Just Giving Link 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.
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| 07 Jan 2024 | There Are Rarely Categorics | 00:29:55 | |
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 | |||
| 01 Jul 2022 | Locking Carbon Into Soil | 00:18:33 | |
"Which trees are the best wood to turn into charcoal? Is it beneficial to dig charcoal into the ground?" A curious group of people, exploring a curious subject with real curiosity. This is a slightly different episode to the norm, a bonus Friday release for you to get your thinking caps on with. This bonus recording came about from when Stuart and William recently held a stall at the East Oxford Farmers' & Community market where the above question was set by a Julian Coates (Jules). It was felt to be such an interesting question, and that Jules had a lot to say on the subject, that he was invited as a guest, to further explore the topic he raised. No-one on the recording, Jules included, were experts about the subject of charcoal, and its potential benefits to the soil, and a means to lock away the carbon we produce,. This didn't stop William, Stuart and Jules delving into this subject though, with some interesting insights, ideas and humour. They talk about soil deficiency, how trees absorb a lot of from the air, including carbon. They then branch off into the subject of how your garden doesn't always need to be tidy. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 10 May 2022 | To Greenwash Or Not To Greenwash | 00:15:11 | |
“Is greenwashing better than no greenwashing at all?” Stuart and William embark on a relatable conversation, where they aim to break down the big issues, and explore the unknown, and being honest when they don't know something. In this episode they discuss, chew over, and examine the above question, which was set by listener Ella in Heaton Mersey, Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. During this episode William mentions the Climate Town YouTube channel, here's a link to the relevant video that talks about how banks in the US invest in the fossil fuel industry, yet claim they're green and good for the environment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ7W6HFHPYs Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. Or you can record your question in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message Support this work through Patreon or just 'follow' so you don't miss any of the public posts https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 26 Jun 2022 | Re-Wild Areas | 00:39:50 | |
“Should we let nature lead the way as we try and re-wild areas?” In this episode, Stuart and William discuss in their chatty unscripted style the above question, which was sent in by listener Gary in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England. The discussion sparked centres around the economics and the value of nature. How much we set ourselves apart from nature, when we're very much part of it. Also, the need to work together within communities, to help re-wild areas, and not just to leave nature to it. In this episode William mentions a previous episode with guest Andy Gunn from BBOWT, here's a link to that episode: TPC: Nature reserves, hippies, disposability, and more with Andy Gunn of BBOWT Also, in the episode William mentions the Woodberry Wetlands in North London, here's a link for more information for anyone interested in going: https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/woodberry-wetlands-nature-reserve 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside 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 or 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. | |||
| 20 Dec 2022 | It’s International Human Solidarity Day | 00:03:38 | |
Hosts Stuart and William, mark International Human Solidarity Day, in this bonus episode of The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. Solidarity is identified in the Millennium Declaration as one of the fundamental values of international relations in the 21st Century, wherein those who either suffer or benefit least deserve help from those who benefit most. Consequently, in the context of globalization and the challenge of growing inequality, the strengthening international solidarity is indispensable. You can find out more about this day here: International Human Solidarity Day | United Nations | |||
| 27 Jul 2021 | Supporting Each Other | 00:09:36 | |
Hosts Stuart and William take another roaming and wandering, insightful conversation, offering up a very real discussion as usual, as they explore a listener question, from Jenny in Littlemore, Oxford, England. | |||
| 05 Dec 2022 | It’s World Soil Day | 00:02:44 | |
Hosts Stuart and William, mark World Soil Day, in this bonus episode of The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. World Soil Day 2022 (#WorldSoilDay) and its campaign "Soils: Where Food Begins" aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being, by addressing the growing challenges in soil management, increasing soil awareness and encouraging societies to improve soil health. You can read more about this important day here: World Soil Day | United Nations | |||
| 14 Nov 2023 | It’s Not What You Say, It Is How You Say It | 00:14:00 | |
“As podcast makers do you feel any kind of responsibility toward your listenership?” That’s the listener question that's been sent in for discussion in today's episode by Ramona, Paraguay. William kicks off the conversation by saying that turning up AND being reliably present for the listeners is one way of showing responsibility to the audience. He goes on to talk about how it's important to communicate any changes made in the podcast, for example our new release schedule for 2024. Also you’d find as a listener if you met co-hosts Stuart and William, that they’re pretty much the people they are on the podcast. They are in some respects caricatures of themselves, as podcast hosting is a performative work. William hopes they strike a balance between having you, the listener, in the forefront of their minds during recordings, but at the same time challenging themselves, which in turn challenges you as a listener. So then William feels the responsibility as a podcaster is two fold. One that he and Stuart are careful in what they say, and two, that they still challenge you as a listener by talking honestly. Stuart raises he and William have a responsibility for what they say, but not how a listener responds. William carries on this point by asking that if anything he and Stuart says triggers a response, get in touch with them, tell them what that response is, and get that conversation going. Stuart brings up an action: it’s not what you say, it is how you say it. 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 | |||
| 13 Mar 2022 | Creating For Pollinators | 00:09:47 | |
“How can we specifically help pollinators in our communities?” It's a short episode today, and Stuart and William once again embark on a meandering conversational style exchange, where they explore, discuss and chew over a question from a listener, which this time came from Ivan in Grindleford, Derbyshire, England. | |||
| 21 Feb 2022 | [Extended Video Version] Right To Roam Finland v UK With Guest Heli Paulasto Part 1 | 00:39:19 | |
INDIGINOUS VOICES MINI-SERIES LAUNCH - FULL SERIES PLAYLIST https://spoti.fi/3av9npr Last June Stuart and William had a nice in depth conversation around the right to roam, which was sparked by a question sent in by one of our podcast listeners, Cliff from Radley, Oxfordshire, England, which was discussed in the episode 'Reclaiming Land Through Mass Trespass'. This is the video to part 1 of this conversation with Heli, you can hear part 2 (and also see the filmed version of part 2) by becoming an Indigenous Champion support tier Patreon backer. All of which was released earlier today. Become a Patreon today at https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. Or you can record your question in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message | |||
| 28 Mar 2021 | Making Humanity Excel Again | 00:16:54 | |
Your hosts Stuart and William head off on another meandering, deep conversation, as they examine a listener question, from Jonati, in Israel. "How can we make humanity excel again?". Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to delve into, discuss or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. | |||
| 14 Dec 2021 | The One About Electric Cars (Classic Episode) | 00:14:11 | |
In this second of three consecutive re-releases, William is looking back and celebrating our top 3 performing episodes. The episode you're about to hear, is our second best performer, ever. Originally released on the 13th September 2020, it was a follow up to a pervious episode released on the 16th August 2020, and is the only time we've ever revisited a listener question on the podcast. The question we revisited was from listener Bartek, in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England: "Are electric cars really the future?" Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. Or you can record your question in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message Support this work through Patreon or just 'follow' so you don't miss any of the public posts https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 05 May 2020 | What to Expect on The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. | 00:02:58 | |
Discover what to expect on The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. | |||
| 07 Aug 2022 | Taking Ownership Of White History | 00:16:40 | |
“How do we inspire all sections of the white community, to own their whole history, and pursue equality?” This is a big subject, do you concur? Stuart and William delve into the above question sent in by listener Samia, from Tlemcen in Algeria, Africa. They discuss how we have no control over what's happened in the past, only control over what happens in the present, how we're not taught our full history, and how we may still need some examples of inequality now and then to show and remind us that we don't want to live like that, which in turn can inspire increased equality. They discuss big questions like what exactly is the white community? Is the pursuit of complete equality actually even possible? During this episode William mentions a video by the YouTube channel Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell The Last Human – A Glimpse Into The Far Future, here is a link to that video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEENEFaVUzU 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message | |||
| 31 May 2020 | TPC: Bonus! Listener Question - Top 5 Stupid Moments Making the Podcast? | 00:16:57 | |
We explore a question from one of our listeners during this episode. This came from Jaryd in Ireland, "What are our top 5 stupid moments making the podcast?" | |||
| 27 Oct 2024 | Beyond Podcast Conversations | 00:01:43 | |
Once again breaking from the more usual style of output for this podcast, today Stuart and William, your co-hosts, discuss how their collaborative talks away from this podcast have evolved. More details here https://speakernet.co.uk/speaker/149/stuart-mabbutt 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. Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: https://www.change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels 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 | |||
| 20 Nov 2022 | Pratting About Around The Edges | 00:21:10 | |
“It’s all very well consumers purchasing products and services that are more sustainable, but isn’t that just pratting about at the edges of the challenge? What we need to focus on is the big economic and political stuff. Yes we can fly less and eat less meat, as those industries have big impacts until they change and evolve, but limiting the use of plastic cups, changing our cotton buds, etc etc, is ineffective pratting about at the edges of the issues we face. I agree though, as consumers we can make a difference, but we’re too often distracted by miniscule pathetic micro consumerist improvements we can make as individuals, by those who want to perpetuate a system, and set of processes, that are innately toxic to humankind. We need to overhaul and overthrow the systems and the capitalist drivers behind all this. When was GDP ever a good sensible measure of the population's wellbeing? Yet that's the main focus of most governments, boosting GDP. That system’s already destructive yet we want to grow it, double it and then, wait for it, quadruple it again. The poor don’t get richer as the rich get richer, (which is what Mrs Truss, your Prime Minister in the UK still seems to be hoping) rather the poor die out and the rich get poorer, as they don’t have anyone to make their wealth out of. Perpetual growth will kill most of us off, it's madness, do you two agree with that? Ecological restoration and rewilding will draw down huge amounts of the carbon, and make the world nicer, yet as there's less profit in it, so we don’t do it. The ultimate floor in profit and perpetual growth systems is they die as their fuel burns out. Like our sun will. Any thoughts?” The above is a fantastically thought out question from listener Adriana in Utrecht, in the Netherlands, which Stuart and William discuss in wide ranging conversation, talking about consumerism, the influence of the media, and whether GDP is really the true measure of success and a population's wellbeing? Are we really just pratting around the edges when it comes to buying greener products, are we really making a difference? We need to get into the habit of taking on personal responsibility: for example, we don’t need to just fly less, we need to do everything less, we need to do everything sustainably. There’s also the clothing industry and its impact to the environment, as that’s even bigger than say the flight industry and shipping industry combined. Though its impacts are hidden away, whereas you can see the planes in the sky. It’s time we all took responsibility for how we act and what we buy, but also a responsibility to put pressure on the decision makers to make the changes needed. During this episode William mentions the youTube channel Kurzgesagt, and in particular one of their videos, here is a link to that episode title The Last Human – A Glimpse Into The Far Future. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 30 Jun 2020 | Welcome to The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. | 00:03:00 | |
Each episode we will debate, with a guest, 3 tough world-scale environmental issues that challenge society and individual's currently held beliefs and perceptions https://thepeoplescountryside.co.uk/ Ultimately we want to take the podcast format in-front of a live audience in the form of Environmental Debate Live and Unscripted. With the addition of an experiential art installation and drama components. This will enable the motivation and mobilization of the audience, toward practical actions to help with policy and behavioral changes needed for a more sustainable future, and a valued environment that we are part of and not separate from. New full episodes of the podcast are currently released at 10 am GMT, on Tuesday's and Sunday's. | |||
| 21 Jul 2020 | Up Close And Personal: The Anniversary Episode. | 00:12:47 | |
Stuart and William reminisce about reaching the first anniversary of the podcast being on all major platforms, and what the future holds for it, and the live experiential stage version (Environmental Debate Live and Unscripted) that'll take the project as a whole on the road. Engaging a wider audience and making it more impactful. | |||
| 10 Mar 2024 | Unworn Sweaters And Curry Sauce Regrets | 00:18:47 | |
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 | |||
| 19 Sep 2021 | Are You Conscious Of Your Environment? | 00:17:48 | |
"What's the environment? Is it different for all of us?" In this instalment they discuss, explore, and mull over a question, from listener Amin, in Pakistan. ANNOUNCEMENT! The podcast format, for the first time, will be expanded and presented in front of a live face to face audience. On the 25th September 2021, 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Stuart and William will be jointly hosting, with The Bothy Vineyard, the first ever live iteration of the podcast format. You can book your tickets today, by following the link below. Apologies for listeners outside of the UK, as this will only be an exclusive in person event, not online, and won't be recorded, or have a 'listen again' option. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/166481327131 SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT! Stuart and William will be leading an alphabet walk around the Turrill Sculpture Garden in Summertown, Oxford. What makes this an alphabet walk? Well, William and Stuart will take a letter each, and work their way through the alphabet, to focus our attention on the world around us through their separate areas of expertise. Book your ticket today via Eventbrite: Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. | |||
| 16 Oct 2022 | To Travel Or Not To Travel, That Is The Question | 00:16:18 | |
“Stuart, you say you don’t travel. Are you missing out? Is your opinion less valid if you don’t travel, and have less experience of other cultures?” Another great question from one of our listeners, this time coming from Ignacio in Peru. Stuart and William discuss and investigate their own very different experiences of travel and life. Stuart states that he gets enough cultural exposure by the fact is lives in the city of Oxford, a very multi-cultural and accepting space. William on the other hand enjoys travelling, and seeing the world, and is something he needs to do to understand the world around him better. In the end, the conclusion is that neither Stuart or William's experiences are a more valuable than the other, it's almost always the middle ground where the answers come from, and this conversation is no different. During this episode they mention the Tommy's Outdoors podcast, here's a link to that podcast: https://tommysoutdoors.com/ This is a podcast where we aim to challenge your beliefs with its main overall themes being 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 07 Jul 2024 | Unpacking the Sustainability of Common Human Activities | 00:09:21 | |
Today, we're taking a break from our usual format, to give more time and to encourage you, our valued listeners, to send in more questions for us to explore in future episodes. In this special episode, we revisit a thought-provoking question posed by Peter T. during our Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted event in May 2023. This was the ticketed second live iteration of this podcast, in front of an audience. Peter T. asked, "If any human activity is practiced by the majority of people, doesn’t it automatically become unsustainable?" Join Stuart and William as they dive deep into this complex question, examining it from various angles. Stuart begins by asserting that the question is rooted in environmental concerns, specifically focusing on sustainability. He believes that the answer isn't a straightforward yes or no. For instance, if everyone chose to walk instead of drive, this wouldn’t necessarily be environmentally sustainable. Stuart also emphasises that not all widespread activities are inherently detrimental to the environment either. William adds another layer to the discussion, pondering whether the question implies that the sheer volume of participants in any activity could lead to negative environmental impacts. Both hosts agree that rarely is anything categorical in our world, and nuances are crucial. Stuart also reflects on the origin of Peter’s question, suggesting it might stem from a perception that environmentalists want everyone to conform to a single way of living. Listen in for a compelling conversation that challenges the way we think about our everyday actions and their environmental implications. Don’t forget to send in your questions for future episodes! 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 This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. We like to give you an ad free experience. We also like our audience to be relatively small and engaged, we’re not just after numbers. Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: https://www.change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels
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| 13 Apr 2021 | Using Our Sense's In Nature | 00:15:34 | |
Join another meandering, unscripted conversation, as hosts Stuart and William again delve into another listener question, from Nguyen, in Vietnam. | |||
| 26 Jun 2020 | TPC: An Environmental Appeal from Paul & Rebecca from Whitewick's Abandoned Railways. | 00:00:40 | |
In this call to action episode Paul & Rebecca from Whitewick's Abandoned Railways appeal directly to you the listener. | |||
| 18 Jul 2021 | Rigged System | 00:19:54 | |
No filters, just a brutally honest conversation, between hosts Stuart and William, as they head off on another meandering, insightful conversation, scrutinising another listener question, from Alan in Northway, Oxford, England. "Is the system rigged against the ordinary woman and man in the street? Maintaining the status quo, and the old boys network, with the balance skewed in favour of our leaders, policy makers, and those with vested interests? The latest London mayoral elections is possible an example, in that it's too expensive for a member of the public to stand. I've heard that it costs £30,000 to even get on the ballot paper. Black Lives Matter motivated a report by the UK government, that said there's no systemic racism. The report claims to have found well meaning protestors just see problems where there aren't any. So with this in mind, if the system and the government commissioned the report, isn't it always going to find the answer that suits the system, and the government? Nothing is resolved until hard truths are faced." Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to explore, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. | |||
| 31 Mar 2020 | What to Expect on The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. | 00:02:58 | |
Discover what to expect on The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. | |||
| 09 Aug 2022 | What Are The 5 Rs? | 00:11:24 | |
“What’s the best form of recycling?” This question from listener Helle in Lincoln, Lincolnshire in England, sparked an in-depth exchange between Stuart and William, around the whole idea of what recycling is? They mention the 5 Rs, which are refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and then recycle and look at how man and nature can live side by side. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. It's podcast with a mission to get people with polarised views talking to each other, and to find common ground to build from. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 24 Mar 2024 | Festivals & Grief | 00:24:57 | |
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 | |||
| 20 Apr 2021 | Ticking Timebombs That Are Landfill Sites | 00:18:28 | |
It's time for another relaxing, and roaming conversation, with hosts Stuart and William, as they offer up a very real discussion, while exploring a listener question, from Rory in Darwin, Australia. | |||
| 24 Sep 2023 | Shaping Beliefs And Perspectives | 00:22:55 | |
Who truly sets the standards for how countries should behave, and can we influence change without imposing our beliefs on others? Are bans on countries with societal unfairness hosting major events a solution, or does it inadvertently create echo chambers and hide underlying issues? In this thought-provoking episode, co-hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow engage in a candid conversation, sparked by a question from listener, Kate in Rowstock, Oxfordshire, England, whose question is as follows: “A workman on my roof was shouting his views to his work colleagues the other day, do you agree with him? He said (and I’ve edited out his prolific swear words, 3 in one sentence at times. Not much room left for what he was saying!) During the football world cup in 2022 players and the sport were politicising the event by ramming the rainbow and gay rights down our throats. Some countries frown upon homosexuality, and that should be respected. Protest brings about change but is using sport that way a step too far? Surely the debate is better maintained by banning countries hosting and competing in these events if they have unfairness in their society, like Qatar does? Or will that push discrimination underground? Who decides if another countries views are wrong? Many powerful countries who criticise others have rules others don’t like either so are they really purer than pure? Surely dialogue and reason is the way to go? Although if we want diversity why do we hit countries over the head because of extreme beliefs? Gay, women, abortion, its all hypocritical. No culture is right but are we talking about fairness?” Stuart kicks things off by sharing his observations on profanity and intelligence, suggesting that there's more to it than meets the eye. William then raises the important question of cultural relativism, challenging our preconceived notions about what's right and wrong on a global scale. They both agree that timing plays a crucial role in using platforms like sporting events to protest effectively. Stuart emphasises the need to confront and engage with beliefs different from our own, while William suggests a practical approach of questioning the origins and motivations behind people's opinions, to facilitate meaningful dialogue. Every country has beliefs that other countries don’t have, don't agree with. For example the UK largely deny how things are connected with colonialism. Stuart believes there is a lot of homophobia that is wrapped up in pretend acceptance, and he feels that is why we haven’t moved on as a world society. This episode is a reminder that meaningful change begins with dialogue, and no disagreement has ever been resolved without people discussing and challenging their beliefs.
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, so be assured, that will never happen. 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 or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 31 Jan 2021 | TPC: Listener Question Time: Are We Mentally Scarring The Current Younger Generation When We Openly Talk About The Climate Emergency? | 00:13:29 | |
In this episode Stuart and William delve into a question from listener Jack from Forest Hill, Oxfordshire, England, "Are we rearing a generation of young people, who are petrified about the future, by scarring them with open talk of the climate emergency, that I agree personally we are in?". | |||
| 26 Nov 2023 | Shouldn’t We Just Send Artefacts Back? | 00:15:31 | |
Co-hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow dive into the controversial realm of repatriating cultural artefacts. Prompted by a question from listener Debs from Didcot, Oxfordshire, England. Debs’ question is as follows: “There’s lots of talk that artefacts in British museums gained through colonialism centuries ago should be relocated back to their countries of origin. The downside with that is leaving them where they are means more people will see them. Returning them ‘home’ could mean less people see them. What do you think?” William argues for a straightforward solution: send the artefacts back. His stance is rooted in the belief that these items lack resonance for those without a genuine direct connection to them. Stuart introduces the recent tour in Kenya by King Charles III, where he apologised for British atrocities, prompting a reflection on whether apologies for colonial links can ever truly end. The conversation deepens as William draws a direct link between the prosperity of the UK and the historical slavery in Jamaica. A connection that fueled the industrial revolution. Stuart advocates for a reimagining of museums and challenges listeners to consider the impact of colonialism on their lives, actions, attitudes, and opportunities. William recommends you to watch a routine by James Acaster, providing a unique perspective on the subject. Watch the routine here. Stuart leaves listeners with a compelling call to action, urging them to reflect on colonialism's tendrils in their lives and encouraging open conversations, especially for those directly impacted. 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 This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. 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 | |||
| 27 Mar 2022 | Make A Positive Contribution To Avert Climate Change | 00:11:29 | |
“How can we all make a positive contribution to averting climate change?” Stuart and William once again delve into and explore the above question, which was sent in by listener Don, in Weymouth, Dorset, England. Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. | |||
| 29 Aug 2023 | Conspiracy Quagmire | 00:24:07 | |
Join hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow, as they dive into a mind-bending discussion with guest Suzi Darrington, an Oxford University Crankstart student, who takes a seat in the listener's chair for this intriguing episode. The trio delve deep into the surreal world of conspiracy theories, triggered by a thought-provoking question from listener Molly in Oxford, England, who’s question is as follows: “Do you think the fashion for conspiracy theories is getting out of hand and what drives that? I see there is a conspiracy campaign stating that the Manchester Arena bombings were staged. With no-one killed and all the injured actually acting. I see one guy who was paralysed in the attack is being targeted on Twitter, with someone even filming him to try and prove it's all make believe. This led to victims being targeted by trolls and stalkers who buy into the conspiracy bollocks, and it could easily escalate with peoples lives being threatened. Maybe this whole existence thing is a scam though, maybe Twitter is all an illusion, maybe this podcast is a figment of our imagination, maybe the world is flat and we are being ruled by Aliens, and maybe those idiots who believe in conspiracy theories are just computer generated players in a childish computer game being played by aliens who live at the centre of the Sun? Sorry, feeling sarcastic!!! People have access to alternative media now and want something away from the mainstream. Does that open the vulnerable up to weird conspiracy suggestions, even if they think they are strong minded. I think this conspiracy fashion reveals that biologically humanity hasn’t evolved much at all for thousands of years. We might be evolving technology wise, but intellectually I despair”. In this episode, the hosts examine the ever-growing influence of conspiracy theories in today's world. Suzi kicks things off by noting how these theories are finding a foothold in mainstream discourse. She explores the correlation between the rise of conspiracy theories and the pay-for-privileges trend on Twitter. This, she suggests, amplifies these ideas, creating a deceptive illusion of widespread belief. William contributes by highlighting the role of YouTube's algorithm in perpetuating the popularity of topics like flat earth theory. Stuart shares his personal YouTube experience, puzzling over the algorithm's mysterious connections—or lack thereof—between recommended content and his interests. Suzi draws parallels to the past, recounting the Gamergate phenomenon where gaming content led young boys into misogynistic content. The episode unpacks how such content acts as a gateway to more extremist ideologies, often fueled by the 'manosphere' and the cult of alpha males. Stuart raises a critical point: can the entire blame be placed on algorithms? William concurs, highlighting the longstanding existence of conspiracy theories. As the hosts navigate these complex topics, they analyse how these theories can drive wedges in societies, and prey on the susceptible. 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, so be assured, that will never happen. 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 or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 18 Oct 2020 | TPC: Listener Question Time: HS2, Carbon Footprint, Incinerators, Rubbish. | 00:10:57 | |
In this episode Stuart and William explore a question from listener Alex, from Poland, "HS2 protesters have been challenged that they want to reduce our collective carbon footprint, yet they are stopping the progress of electric trains and this project. Protesters are accused of wanting it both ways. Also, a new incinerator is planned for North London, protesters again challenge this, however, what else can be done with the rubbish going to these facilities? Protests highlight what's wrong, but often, don't offer clear solutions, or supported pathways". | |||
| 04 Feb 2024 | Meetings, Doughnuts And Germs | 00:28:27 | |
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 | |||
| 07 Nov 2021 | Protesting For System Change | 00:17:37 | |
"Protesters are protesting for system change, but the system, whatever it is, doesn't want to change. The system is taking away the right and ability to protest bit by bit here in the UK. Protest can often be the last option for people, take that away, and what have we left? This is designed to make people arrestable, so they can be removed, but is it provoking violence, freedom fighters, gorilla wars, terrorism, war, however you wish to phrase it?" This is the question that was sent in by long time listener Alan in Northway, Oxford, England. We've lost count how many he's now sent in. Join Stuart and William on another roaming and insightful discussion, as they explore this question. They're not experts, they will however delve into the subject, in a relatable way, for you the listener. Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. Or you can record your question in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message and that recording can then be considered for inclusion in a future edition of the podcast. Support this work through Patreon or just 'follow' so you don't miss any of the public posts https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 19 Oct 2021 | Who Are The Big Players In Saving Humanity? | 00:11:51 | |
"Many people claim protesters and activists are obviously rich to be able to take time out to protest. I don’t see this myself, I see ordinary people, some rich, some poor, making sacrifices to protest. I see wealthier people, using their savings, making themselves poor, to fund protesting. I see poor people, with nothing, sacrificing the little they have to protest. The wealthier are called entitled, the poor accused of funding protests via benefits. These insults contribute nothing, they are just words. We’re all just renting the space we inhabit, none of us truly own anything. My big concern is individualising the solutions to the climate and ecological crisis we most certainly face, takes the pressure off the fossil fuel industries, who are the big players in saving humanity". Join hosts Stuart and William, in their usual far reaching discussion style podcast, as they examine a question from Wendy in Exeter, Devon, England. They're here to persuade, entertain and inspire you to make different choices in the way we go forward in life, individually and collectively. Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. Or you can record your question in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message. Support this work through Patreon or just 'follow' so you don't miss any of the public posts https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 19 Apr 2022 | Understanding Our Collective Pasts | 00:18:04 | |
“What are your views on statues of colonialists, and other figures from our collective pasts?” In this iteration of the podcast, Stuart and William delve into, discuss, and philosophise around a question from listener Todd in Oxford, England. Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. Or you can record your question in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message Support this work through Patreon or just 'follow' so you don't miss any of the public posts https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 03 Mar 2024 | Natures Rhythms and AI Benefits | 00:24:49 | |
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 | |||
| 25 Apr 2023 | Is It Rainbow Washing Instead Of Dealing With The UK Cost Of Living Crisis? | 00:26:40 | |
A long question sent in by listener Lyn, from Stanton St John, Oxfordshire, England, which Stuart and William examine by exploring if we should actively meet more people that are different to us, should move past labels and just let people live their lives, societal progress and the tendrils of colonialism. Set in the current context and backdrop of the cost of living crisis in the UK, and the perspective that offers. Here’s Lyn’s question: “The 2022 Commonwealth Games, the first with more medals available to women than men. The first with disability sports integrated into the main programme, not having their separate games afterwards. LGBTQ+ competitors could hold the rainbow flag for the first time. The games were billed as the most sustainable ever (though most of the mitigation measures will take decades to off-set - like the mass planting of trees they undertook - will they be looked after and survive?). All good things right, and help to also mitigate the roots of the championships being British colonialism? Or does it? Two thirds of competing nations/territories have laws that make same sex relationships illegal, will the games change that? Nigeria, Pakistan and Brunei still have the death penalty for being gay. Pakistan has a punishment of the death by stoning for being gay, but haven’t used it. By having it does it breed a culture of seeing gay people as mutants. Nigeria recently executed 3 people for being gay. I fear preventing these countries from competing/hosting, isn’t likely to make that bigger impact. These prejudices are ingrained in families/friends/governments and sporting federations. It’s all largely driven by history and British colonialism. This hatred is rooted in laws imposed across the British empire and still exists in some countries. Homophobia has some roots in 300 years of the slave trade. Slave owners encouraged heterosexual sex amongst slaves, as it produced children, a free supply of slaves into the system. There are records of male slaves discovered to be gay, being publically raped by slave owners, to discourage homosexuality. It begs the question that the slave owners might have been gay themselves? There's always hope though, change will happen quicker if driven by love and not taking things away from cultures, like the right to host sporting events. This all makes me sad for humanity. Rainbow flags at these games aren’t enough on their own and could maybe even be seen as rainbow washing? It's a start though, and we need to start somewhere. Flying the flag is important as a sign of hope and change, but we need to progress so we don’t need flags or for people to admit they are gay, we need to allow people to just live their lives. Why punish a gay person just for existing? Finally I saw that the games cost over 800 million pounds to put on, is this a worthwhile expenditure when working people are struggling to survive soaring cost of living figures in the UK?” During this episode Stuart and William discuss the upcoming Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted event, this podcasts format expanded and made more experiential, then set in front of a live audience, and arranged to take place next on May 27th at the former Bothy Vineyard in Oxfordshire 3.30pm to 9pm. To secure your tickets for this event, use the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/environmental-debate-live-unscripted-tickets-514832145807 This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside 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 or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. | |||
| 25 Feb 2020 | TPC: Bonus! Upcoming guests announcement with hosts Stuart and William. | 00:03:00 | |
Upcoming guests! Stuart and William discuss the guests they have lined up for future TPC EDP episodes. | |||
| 17 Apr 2020 | TPC: An Environmental Appeal from Paul & Rebecca from Whitewick's Abandoned Railways. | 00:00:40 | |
| 15 Oct 2024 | Bonus: International Day for Rural Women | 00:01:44 | |
Stuart and William are today marking the International Day for Rural Women 2024, with this bonus episode of The People’s Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. Rural women account for about 22% of the global population. They play an important role in the health and wellbeing of their communities. Rural women can face challenges like higher rates of poverty (as both extreme and multidimensional poverty are higher in rural areas globally), as well as unequal access to education, health and other social services, and employment opportunities. Rural women can also experience gender inequality resulting from discriminatory social institutions, formal and informal laws, social norms and practices. Challenges can be even greater for rural Indigenous women and girls. You can find out more about this day with the following link: https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/10/15/default-calendar/international-day-for-rural-women 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. Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: https://www.change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels | |||
| 12 Sep 2023 | Who Is In Charge of the Internet? | 00:07:37 | |
Todays listener question for Stuart and William to explore has been set by Cedric, in East Hagbourne, Oxfordshire, England “Who is in charge of the internet, or is it multiple players?” William believes that nobody is in charge of the internet, and that the internet is a mesh of networks, with gatekeepers, for example the internet providers. William marvels though at the fact the internet allows seamless communication. Stuart on the other hand believes that someone invented it, people own aspects of it, certain people manipulate it in certain ways, but questions who’s in charge? Hasn’t it gone beyond ownership now? Stuart asks where the internet is, and what exactly is it? What freaks him out is there are massive cables under the ocean, but with the internet becoming more and more wireless, will all those cables currently in use be dumped, and just left to litter the ocean floor? It’s the same disposal habits over and over again. William’s action for the episode is to think about how you use the internet, and Stuart’s is to take your rubbish home with you. 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, so be assured, that will never happen. 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. | |||
| 30 Jul 2023 | Attenborough’s Timeless Connection | 00:11:45 | |
Have you ever wondered why Sir David Attenborough's voice resonates so deeply with people of all ages? What makes him such a timeless figure, spanning across generations? How does he manage to strike the perfect balance between relatability and authority when discussing the natural world? He's very relatable, but we don’t know that much about him as a person, and until we stop and think about that, many of us have never really appreciated that void in knowledge, which is an interesting thing to explore in itself. Some celebrities insist on knowing every little nuance of their character and life, yet we’re happy to not dig into what lies beneath Sir David's public profile. In this episode your co-hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow dive into the enigmatic persona of Sir David Attenborough, a man who has captivated audiences for decades. This was sparked by Mary from Gorse Hill, Swindon, Wiltshire, England, who sent in a thought-provoking question, asking, "Why do you think David Attenborough is so relevant across all generations?" During the episode Stuart and WIlliam discuss how Sir David’s genuine passion for the natural world shines through every word, making complex concepts approachable to everyone without ever sounding condescending. They'll also explore his relatable nature, despite having a posh accent, and how this quality has endeared him to viewers worldwide. They examine how Sir David Attenborough's on-screen presence and communication skills have allowed him to connect not just with individuals but entire families across different eras. His ability to bridge the gap between generations has turned his documentaries into shared experiences that can be enjoyed together. Every generation can relate as they’ve known him, which means a whole family can enjoy what he does.You get the impression that if you met him, he’d still be very relatable in person, and would be a good man to have a conversation with. 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 During this episode Stuart and William talk about the fundraiser of £24,000 to help fund two wheelchairs enabling Stuart to continue bringing nature into the daily lives of others, sharing a lifetime of outdoor wisdom. You can donate today through the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels We like to give you an ad free experience, so be assured, that will never happen. 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. | |||
| 22 Jun 2021 | People, Know Your Limits! | 00:26:27 | |
Join hosts Stuart and William on another roaming, insightful conversation, offering up an authentic, unscripted discussion, as they explore a listener question, from Alan in Northway, Oxford, England. The police say they are merely trying to interpret government legislation, but is this just a distraction technique? Could it be that the police, the courts, the government, and the overall system are all separate entities, but one of the same thing even so? That being, a box of tools used to keep the public in their place. Are we really in a democracy?" | |||
| 17 Nov 2024 | Share This Podcast With Five Of Your Friends | 00:00:41 | |
Welcome back, dear listener, to yet another episode where we break away from what we usually do. Of course, if you can tell us what our style actually is, we’d be forever grateful—and frankly, a little astonished. In this delightfully short episode, we plead with you, our dearest listener, to spread the word about this podcast to five of your closest companions. The ones who'd still hug you even if you’ve been sick down the front of your shirt. Your efforts in spreading the word will earn our undying gratitude and possibly a new set of friends. What do you say, ready to embark on this charade with us? Remember, your support is the peanut butter to our jelly, the Groucho to our Marx. Thanks for listening, and spreading the nonsense! 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. Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: https://www.change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels 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 | |||
| 05 Nov 2023 | 250 Years Before Positive Environmental Change | 00:07:06 | |
“A report produced in the US claimed that if every country went net zero now it would be 250 years before the climate reacted positively. So, should we be doing more than aiming for net zero?” That’s the listener question sent in by Billy, Saugus, Massachusetts, USA. Co-host William kicks off the conversation by stating that we’ve been putting out a large volume of carbon for decades, and agrees that we should be doing more, or do less, consume less for example. He brings up again that we have been piping out pollution for a very long time, going right back to the beginning of the industrial revolution. He raises the question of what a positive reaction by the climate would actually look like? Stuart, your other co-host, believes we should always be doing more, but maybe we’ve striven in the wrong areas. He goes on to say it may be too late, and that the world's population will be affected in ways we haven’t even considered yet, and asks that if it is going to take 250 years for the climate to react positively, then it won’t be stable for a number of years. Stuart throws in there that if we’re going to have to adapt, is that adaptation going to take our eye off the ball for changing? Are we going to keep doing what we’re doing and then adapt to the consequences, or are we going to change? During this episode it’s mentioned the Wildlife In Everyday Garden Talk Stuart and William are giving for The Flore Gardening Society in Northamptonshire on November 8th at 7.45pm in the Chapel Schoolroom at the Flore United Reformed Church. Details here https://www.floreurc.org.uk/community/garden-society/ This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. 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. 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 | |||
| 10 Nov 2024 | Discrimination & Pilotless Flight | 00:20:59 | |
Welcome to the crazy train that’s the People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. There are no scripts here, Stuart and William are not experts either, they’re just two people willing to discuss the big issues, in an open and honest way. In today’s episode they explore two listener questions. One is from Xiomara, Managua Department, Nicaragua and the second from Maidali, Nacional, Dominican Republic. Xiomara’s question is as follows: “What can we do to address the discrimination faced by people with disabilities?” William, straight off the bat, encourages everyone to stop seeing the individual as a person with disabilities, and actually just see them as the person that's there in front of you. Stuart takes this a step further, saying that you are only as disabled as society enables you to be. They both go on to the discuss the positives of combining the Olympics and Paralympics into one event, that it may mean less competitors, but it would potentially be more inclusive. They also delve into the subject of where discrimination comes from? Is it unconscious patronization, or unnecessary sympathy for a person with a disability? William concludes this discussion by pointing out when you see somebody in a wheelchair, you see somebody with a white stick, or you see somebody who obviously has some form of disability. Don't automatically assume that this person is going to fit into a neat pigeonhole box for you. Instead, have genuine interest and empathy for the people around you. Stuart concludes: keep talking about this stuff. If it's uncomfortable, then you're actually talking about something with substance. If the conversation is nice and comfortable, you’re maybe not pushing the boundaries enough. Onto the second question, which comes from Maidali: “Pilotless Aircraft seem to be where you are heading. Would you guys feel safe not having a manual override?” William has only heard of the idea of pilotless aircraft as a concept, and even though a lot of flying is handled by the computer, autopilot, he sees that a pilot as a human element will always be needed in the cockpit. Stuart brings up the idea of driverless cars, buses, trains, so why not aircraft too? William counters this question as he himself sees driverless cars as being purely science fiction, and the only place they would work is in closed areas. Stuart concludes this episode with two actions, one for both questions, the first is: have an internal conversation with yourself to see if you recognize you're discriminating. The second action encourages you to ask yourself the question: would you feel unsafe having driverless services, transport or otherwise? William’s action: ask yourself what do you habitually do in your life and ask yourself the question. Does that really serve your needs and your life? 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. Sign the Petition - Improve The Oxfordshire Countryside Accessibility For All Disabilities And Abilities: https://www.change.org/p/improve-the-oxfordshire-countryside-accessibility-for-all-disabilities-and-abilities Fundraiser For An Extreme 8 All-terrain Wheelchair: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels
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| 03 Sep 2021 | How To Make A Difference | 00:01:20 | |
Recently hosts Stuart and William were joined by Dr. Tara Pirie from the University of Reading as a guest on this podcast. While Tara was with them she recorded this call to action, where she encourages you and us all to look at the little things you can change in your life, that can benefit the planet. Tara will be a guest panelist for our live face to face event being held on the 25th September, scroll down for more details, and how you can book your ticket today. ANNOUNCEMENT! The podcast format, for the first time, will be expanded and presented in front of a live face to face audience. On the 25th September 2021, 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Stuart and William will be jointly hosting, with The Bothy Vineyard, the first ever live iteration of the podcast format. You can book your tickets today, by following the link below. Apologies for listeners outside of the UK, as this will only be an exclusive in person event, not online, and won't be recorded, or have a 'listen again' option. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/166481327131 Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. | |||
| 19 Oct 2023 | Cracking The LTN Controversy | 00:31:50 | |
In this bonus episode, co-hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow dive deep again into the world of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), addressing a question from long-time listener Hedley Thorne. They were once again joined by Suzi Darrington in the listener’s chair. Hedley’s question is as follows: "LTNs, I believe, are a relatively recent invention, and so what has brought about the requirement for them, and what are their positive and negative effects on the local community and businesses?" Low Traffic Neighbourhoods or LTNs have become a hot topic, polarising communities and sparking protests, particularly in the picturesque city of Oxford. Right from the start, Stuart and William tackle the basics of what LTNs are, and why they evoke strong reactions. Special guest Suzi Darrington, a familiar voice in the Listener Chair, joins the conversation once again. The trio discusses the historical use of roadblocks in Oxford, with William shedding light on the fact that LTNs are not a new concept. Suzi is quick to highlight the positive aspects of life with LTNs, seeing them as a crucial step toward building better public transport links. She also delves into the recent anti-LTN protests in Oxford, and how they are tied to the idea of the 15-minute neighbourhoods. Stuart raises the question of whether this is merely about reinstating local communities. William explores the role of media, and the impact of ingrained habits when it comes to LTNs. Stuart makes a key point: LTNs aren't banning cars; they're just gently nudging traffic in different directions. Suzi shares her experiences using public transport and cycling around Oxford, highlighting the advantages of reducing car dependency. William mentions businesses that claim LTNs have caused their closure, but Suzi points out that these neighbourhoods emerged during the COVID pandemic, and there are other factors at play. Stuart calls for transparency, requesting to see the businesses' financial records to gauge the direct impact of LTNs. William argues that many businesses, not just recently, but for years, have failed to adapt to changing circumstances. Stuart emphasises the significance of location for businesses and suggests that they might need extra assistance in relocating and adapting. The episode concludes with a discussion about what the council should do. The consensus is to persevere with LTNs, with Suzi highlighting the enthusiasm of the younger generation for addressing the climate crisis and their willingness to embrace change without ingrained habits. 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, so be assured, that will never happen. 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 | |||
| 30 Oct 2022 | This Is An Audio Podcast | 00:08:02 | |
“Hi, me again, my third question for you, as a potential podcaster myself. So, do you ever film your podcast episodes? I see you make films that relate to your output and behind the scenes films, but do you see yourselves becoming a ‘visual’ podcast? Stuart and William discuss another follow up question about podcasting from listener Toby in Leicestershire, England. During this deliberation they talk about how this podcast is very much audio focused, and not a visual show, and that it's likely to stay that way, at least for the foreseeable future anyway. In a way, visuals don’t really interest them, as it can be a distraction to try and do too much during a recording session, and it is better to concentrate on quality, rather than quantity. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside 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 or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. | |||
| 26 Apr 2020 | TPC: Isolation Adaptation Covid-19 (Part 7 - Taking Stock) | 00:10:57 | |
Part 7 - Taking Stock : Stuart and William share insights, tips and ideas on how they're adapting to the current situation, and give you the listener actions to occupy some of your time. | |||
| 22 May 2022 | Community Resilience | 00:27:02 | |
“How do we increase participation, and resilience, in community food activities? Moving away from emergency responses, to a more long-term view of our societal needs”. Stuart and William embark on good long discussion, a brainstorming session perhaps? Exploring their off the cuff thoughts around the question above, which was set by Helle, in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England. Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. Or you can record your question in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message Support this work through Patreon or just 'follow' so you don't miss any of the public posts https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 12 Dec 2023 | The LOAF Takeover: Undoing the Mess We Made with the Climate | 00:28:01 | |
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 | |||
| 22 Mar 2022 | Pursuit Of Happiness? | 00:12:42 | |
“Direct question guys. What makes you happy?” A nice direct question this one, from listener Olivia in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Northern England, which Stuart and William conversate around, and reflect on what they think happiness is, and how we can all often see it as something we should pursue. Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. Or you can record your question in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message Support this work through Patreon or just 'follow' so you don't miss any of the public posts https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 19 Jul 2020 | TPC: An Environmental Appeal from Jake Backus from Empathy Sustainability. | 00:01:29 | |
In this call to action episode Jake Backus from Empathy Sustainability appeals directly to you the listener. | |||
| 06 Jun 2023 | Building Resilience and Filling the Gaps | 00:14:58 | |
How does the concept of strikes extend beyond just wages? Should we rely heavily on the government to fill societal gaps, or should we seek alternative solutions? How does the lack of human connection and belonging in an era of easy connection impact society? Join Stuart and William in this thought-provoking episode as they probe and delve into the complex issues raised in the question below sent in by listener Nigel from Blackbird Leys, Oxford, England. “Summer 2022 will be remembered for many things, but one of the things I’ll remember it for is the strikes in the rail industry and many other industries. Many of the strikes were about wages not keeping place with inflation and it being hard to navigate the cost of living crisis. Some industries never got a pay rise at all, and some of those didn’t strike I notice, but I'm not sure whether I think they should have or agree with them not striking. I’m not in their shoes so I'm not sure. Can I ask, do you think it's up to us as individuals to build in resilience to all aspects of our life, or is it fair to look at the government to fill the gap between pay rises and the cost of living/inflation? Also should the government fill that gap, some of the gap, or none of that gap? Maybe you think the government should flip flop between those 3 options depending on the situation, the industry involved, and the situation at play? Or maybe you feel this is the start of societal collapse due to the climate crisis, so the above mitigation measures are better suited to maintaining the status quo and business as usual, and we need a new and better range of support packages, transitional support, mitigation measures, personal responsibility and sense of community for us all to move forward as a society?” During this episode Stuart and William navigate the complexities of strikes, government waste, societal collapse, and the need for a more inclusive and compassionate society. Acknowledging the existing gaps within society, they propose the exploration of different approaches to address them. They stress the need for better and more comprehensive support systems, particularly in the UK, where there's a significant imbalance exists between the haves and the have-nots. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message 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 or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 17 Jan 2023 | Striking Workers | 00:24:18 | |
On this podcast we always aim to give you a balanced view, we always discuss the topic in hand from our own truths, and never shy away from the big topics. In today’s episode Stuart and William discuss the following question which has been sent in by listener Vera in New Hinksey, Oxford, England. “Feels like the 1970’s all over again with high inflation and strikes. What are your thoughts on recent rail strikes? The government says the industry needs modernising, yet rail workers seem to say that's a euphemism, really meaning costs need to be cut in the face of another recession, and the best way to do that is to cut wages. Is cutting costs really modernisation? Tourists are saying they are being screwed over by having transport reduced, but isn’t that just part of being a backpacker or a tourist?” The discussion that naturally unfolded between Stuart and William from this question revolves around ideas of what modernisation on the railway in particular means, for example how it can be a euphemism of getting rid of workers. It can seem that costs are being taken out of the system regardless of that's making it better. The human element is the biggest cost it seems, and reduction of staff is being seen as a way of modernizing. They also compare what is happening now to what happened in the 1970s here in the UK, exploring the similarities and differences. There was a different set of circumstances in the 1970’s, that weren’t too long after the second world war, but the emotions are the same in many cases. During this episode William mentions the other podcast he co-hosts with Tommy Serafinski of the Tommy's Outdoors podcast, here is a link to that joint show Have You Ever Considered? 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside 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 or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. | |||
| 26 Dec 2019 | Seven Worlds, One Planet, will it have the same impact as Blue Planet? - The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast | 00:09:53 | |
Welcome to a new episode of The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast https://thepeoplescountryside.co.uk/ Usually, in each episode, we debate, with a guest, 3 tough world-scale environmental issues that challenge society and individual's currently held beliefs. In this bonus episode, we discuss a topical news item. This time, we discuss the David Attenborough programme "Seven Worlds, One Planet" and whether or not it will have the impact that the Blue Planet series had. New full episodes of the podcast are released on a fortnightly basis, at 10 am GMT on Tuesday. | |||
| 28 Dec 2021 | Left Leaning Or Open Minded? | 00:08:00 | |
"Do you consider yourself an intellectual podcast with a political left leaning view, or more open minded in essence? In this episode, we find Stuart and William, out and about, recording at the East Oxford Farmers' and Community Market, where they discuss, and digest a question from listener Devan in Jamaica. The first time we've heard from her, and we hope she'll send another searching question in soon. Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. Or you can record your question in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message Support this work through Patreon or just 'follow' so you don't miss any of the public posts https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 18 Feb 2020 | TPC: Up Close and Personal with hosts Stuart and William. | 00:10:14 | |
In this episode Stuart and William discuss the progression of the podcast, the project as a whole and more. These Up Close and Personal episodes give a behind the scenes insight of the People's Countryside Environmental Debates Podcast. | |||
| 17 Apr 2022 | How Do We Protect The Planet? | 00:22:04 | |
Stuart and William record face to face again as they discuss, investigate, and explore the below question from listener Eddie in Dover, Kent, England. “How do we protect the planet?” Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. Or you can record your question in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message Support this work through Patreon or just 'follow' so you don't miss any of the public posts https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 22 Apr 2023 | Bonus: Exploring Food & Water Security In A Former Vineyard | 00:01:52 | |
Last weekend, the 15th April to be precise, Stuart and William once again had a stall at the East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market promoting the podcast and wider work. Whilst there they took the opportunity to record a short out about item about the upcoming live iteration of this podcast, Environmental Debate Live & Unscripted, which is taking place at the former Bothy Vineyard in Frilford Heath, Oxfordshire, on the 27th May 2023, 3.30pm to 9pm. This event is for anybody looking to connect with like minded people, concerned about the big issues facing society, the perfect event to stretch your thinking, explore opportunities and build lasting links with people who want to make a difference. You can find out more about this event with the following link. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/environmental-debate-live-unscripted-tickets-514832145807 What do you make of this bonus item? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss on the podcast itself? Let us know by sending an email to thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside 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 or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. | |||
| 01 Aug 2021 | Dealing With Trolls | 00:13:55 | |
Using their usual unscripted, roaming style of conversation, hosts Stuart and William delve into a listener question, from Hailey in Minchery Farm, Oxford, England. "How do you deal with trolls on social media regarding the podcast and other work you do?" | |||
| 28 May 2023 | The History Around You | 00:10:55 | |
Regular listener Jack from Long Wittenham in Oxfordshire, England, sets Stuart and William another question to explore in this episode, and as they feel there are so many great villages in Oxfordshire, have a listen to this episode to find out what your co-hosts favourites might be. They also mention County boundaries have altered quite a lot over the years with Abingdon for example being in Berkshire at one time. Other villages have been absorbed by the city of Oxford yet still maintain a village feel. Here’s Jack’s question: “Which are your favourite villages in Oxfordshire and why?” Do you agree with what William and Stuart come up with? Regardless of if you do or not, maybe next time you go for a walk, try to hunt out and see the history around you, and what the buildings might be revealing about the past. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. | |||
| 20 Sep 2022 | Get To The Chopper! | 00:09:47 | |
“Do you ever imagine you’ll be a daily podcast?” In a very short episode of this podcast, Stuart and William discuss the above question, which was sent in by Alison in Driffield, Gloucestershire, England. During this conversation they go into depth about the podcast, and how they currently see its future, in particular how we'd need more of a structure around us to expand it beyond twice a week, they also touch on how, if it were more than twice a week, it possibly wouldn't allow you as a listener time to absorb the discussions they have, and much more besides. This is an episode that is very much about this very podcast, so if you're interested to hear more about it, and its origins, this is the episode for you. The title? Well you'll just need to listen to this episode to find out. During this episode its mentioned that Stuart and William are leading a guided walk. If you have enjoyed the podcast, you have to a chance to meet the co-hosts in person! They are leading an Alphabet Walk around Sandford Brake in Oxford. You can find out more about this event, and book your tickets at the following link: https://bit.ly/3KRAbOF 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside 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 or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. | |||
| 26 Jan 2021 | TPC: Listener Question Time: Inland Wind Turbines! Are They Good Or Bad? Well, Let's Discuss It Shall We? | 00:14:54 | |
In this episode Stuart and William explore and examine a question from listener Maureen in Chalgrove, Oxfordshire, England, "People debate if inland wind turbines are nice or ugly. Is this a redundant argument when the aim behind this is that we're all trying to protect our beautiful planet, meaning wind power is part of the mix?" | |||
| 06 Dec 2022 | The One About Activisms Rhetoric | 00:16:38 | |
Stuart and William are taking a small step back for the month of December, to rest and recuperate over the Christmas season. So instead of the usual discussion, they’ve each picked four past episodes that they feel you and they would like to or should listen to, either again, or maybe for the very first time. In this second episode of eight, in the mini series they’ve called December Reflections, Stuart’s picked an episode from the 9th August 2020, which was recorded between the first and second COVD lockdowns in the UK. Stuart chose this one because even though he was a little bit fractious at the time, he felt he was perhaps more willing to explore the harder, and maybe harsher truths of life. They particularly explore in this episode the inclusion and maybe under recognized habit of using warlike rhetoric within activism. Is this the best way, or even the only option of getting the message across? This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside Help us to spread the impact of the podcast by sharing this link with 5 friends https://bit.ly/3Avt0b4 , support our work through Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. | |||
| 23 Aug 2022 | Travel Aids Knowledge? | 00:25:47 | |
“I’m back, with another question guys. Have been wondering where Pedro is, and when he’s going to set another of his listener questions? Wonder if he laughs as much as I do, when you poke fun at him on this podcast? All in good jest though, I realise that. I’ve been in hospital for a few months, and see I’ve got a lot of listening to catch up with regarding your podcast. Well done on producing more than 300 episodes. So, what are your favourite countries you’ve visited, and can you ever justify polluting travel, in the pursuit of knowledge expansion that comes about because of travel?” Stuart and William embark on a discussion which was sparked by the above question sent in by listener Adwin in South Africa. They ask the important question, why do we travel? Is it for history? Is it to take in the local culture? Is it mindless travel, going to the same places, and not really learning anything, acting like braindead sheep? They question why would you go to a resort which is far removed from the local culture? We can justify everything, whether it's right is another matter, and they cover that uncomfortable truth too. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside 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 or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. | |||
| 27 Oct 2020 | TPC: Listener Question Time: Breaking The Cycle Of Blame. | 00:22:47 | |
In this episode Stuart and William explore this question from listener Rory from Darwin, "We have a vicious cycle of blaming each other when it comes to the causes of the climate and ecological emergency. What are the first steps needed to break that cycle?". | |||
| 01 May 2020 | TPC: Isolation Adaptation Covid-19 (Part 9 - Adaptation) | 00:11:13 | |
Part 9 - Adaptation : Stuart and William share insights, tips and ideas on how they're adapting to the current situation, and give you the listener actions to occupy some of your time. | |||
| 25 Oct 2022 | Privacy Within Podcasts | 00:15:23 | |
“Hi chaps, it's me again, Toby. Listened to a number of your exceptional podcasts and want to pick your brains again. I see you guys have online Q&A’s with your audience and other podcasters. Great idea, by the way. As a potential podcaster myself, I thought about joining one, but prefer to ask my questions within a podcast so more people can hear your views. My second question is, how do you deal with the privacy of people appearing on your podcast. How do you allow people to have their voice heard if they don’t want to actually appear? Maybe though you’ve never had anyone who didn’t want to appear publicly, whatever the reason?” Stuart and William share their knowledge about podcasting as they discuss the above question which is another sent in by listener Toby in Leicestershire, England. Among other things they talk about dealing with privacy, about how they’ve had guests that want certain sections of the episode removed and how they’ve dealt with that, how they can blur someone’s image in a video, or change the sound of their voice if they request it. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside 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 or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. | |||
| 01 Nov 2022 | How And What We Edit | 00:15:30 | |
“My fourth and final question, for the time being lads, and as a fellow potential podcaster I’m interested in what you have to say on this. I see you’ve been podcasting since around 2018 I think? So, looking right back to when you started, has there been any material recorded that you wished you used? I see you had loads of guests when you first launched, and I presume you edited these to retain the best bits, but was there any unused material that you think you should have used, and will that be used in other material going forward? Did you ever have a guest record with you, that ended up being something that couldn’t be used? As an aside, do you retain all your recordings in an archive, and edit archived material into other episodes?” Stuart and William once again share their knowledge and expertise about podcasting as they discuss the above question which is another in the set of four sent in by listener Toby in Leicestershire, England. They cover many topics during this fifteen-minute discussion including how they aren’t a stereotypical podcast, and when they do have guests, they rarely remove anything from the recording, but when they do, it's only as long as you don’t lose the essence, sometimes less is more. Essentially though they have to go with the decision of the guest, if the guest really wants something removed, it will be removed, and never see the light of day. 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, or record us a message in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice. Find out all about the podcast via this one simple link: https://linktr.ee/thepeoplescountryside 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 or just 'follow' to avoid missing any public posts. | |||
| 26 Oct 2021 | Luxury Or Necessity? | 00:15:52 | |
"Is time spent in nature a luxury or a necessity?" Stuart and William recorded face to face again, which brings a different dynamic to the show, don't you think? As always they launch themselves off on a meandering conversation as they discuss this time a question from listener Amishi, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Often the underlying themes of nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, social justice and sustainability come through that conversation. All these subjects interplay with each other when one digs down into many of the big issues we all face. Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. Or you can record your question in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message. Support this work through Patreon or just 'follow' so you don't miss any of the public posts https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 09 Jan 2022 | Are The Super Rich Really Super Rich? | 00:13:33 | |
"I love you don’t prepare too much for the questions you cover, it makes your exploration, from the starting point, the same as the listeners. I don’t want you guys to be the go to experts, more the go to relatable explorers. My question is, Belgium philosopher Ingrid Robeyns coined the phrase ‘Limitarianism’. She argues there should be an upper limit to the amount of income and wealth a person can amass, just as there’s a line of poverty we recognise no-one should fall below. We should recognise both a poverty and riches line. Surplus money enables too much power to be exerted over others, and over earth's resources. We can just aim for continued growth, but equally, for more people to increase their wellbeing going forward and flourish, we can no longer afford the super rich. Super rich exist, because others are poor. Growth has drawn people out of poverty, but unchecked, can put people back into poverty. The super rich and rich are likely to be the last affected by climate breakdown, if it comes. The poor are more likely to be affected more and suffer worse. Please explore this in your usual unprepared style, and speak your truths, as you see them, at this point. Thanks". Stuart and William were once again able to record face to face, which leads to a very real, and intimate conversation as they discuss, examine, and delve into a question from long time listener Rory in Darwin, Australia. Do you have a question you'd like Stuart and William to examine, mull over, explore, discuss, delve into or debate? Send us an email thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com with your name, where you're listening from, and your question. Or you can record your question in your own voice by going to https://anchor.fm/thepeoplescountryside/message Support this work through Patreon or just 'follow' so you don't miss any of the public posts https://www.patreon.com/thepeoplescountryside | |||
| 31 Aug 2021 | Habitual Consumption | 00:33:13 | |
Using their nomadic and roaming, unscripted style, your hosts and well known personalities Stuart and William offer up a very real and animated discussion with authentic views, as they take a deep dive and explore another listener question, this time from Roman in Slovakia. You both say (Stuart, and William) you don’t own cars. Isn’t the boycotting of those purchases cutting your nose off despite your faces? Aren’t you limiting yourselves by not making these purchases?" ANNOUNCEMENT! The podcast format, for the first time, will be expanded and presented in front of a live face to face audience. On the 25th September 2021, 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Stuart and William will be jointly hosting, with The Bothy Vineyard, the first ever live iteration of the podcast format. You can book your tickets today, by following the link below. Apologies for listeners outside of the UK, as this will only be an exclusive in person event, not online, and won't be recorded, or have a 'listen again' option. | |||
| 02 May 2021 | Does Amplifying Indigenous Cultures Voices Make Them More Relatable? | 00:10:29 | |
Another unscripted, meandering, insightful chat, between hosts Stuart and William. A very real discussion, as they examine a listener question, from Jesper in Denmark. | |||
| 01 Aug 2023 | Valuing Indigenous Cultures and the Rainforest | 00:19:26 | |
What are some concrete ways in which we can rethink the term "indigenous", to acknowledge the diversity and complexity of these cultures, rather than viewing them under a broad umbrella term? In what ways can we learn from indigenous peoples' deep connections to the natural world, applying their wisdom to create a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with our environment? In this thought-provoking episode, co-hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow delve into the intricate and critical issues surrounding the integration of indigenous people of the rainforests into the mainstream economy. The inspiration for this discussion comes from a profound question sent in by Kadonkechi from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Kadonkechi: “In Brazil the government states it wants to integrate the indigenous people of the rain forests into the mainstream economy, lifting millions out of poverty. That seems to assume these cultures are poor, don’t you think? If we realised the potential of valuing the rain forest in new ways, it could also mean we all can become richer without destroying cultures. Billions of pounds worth of medicines, largely potentially undiscovered currently, can be surely found in the forests, why can't we explore and culture those, instead of clearing forests for short term cash crops or oil? The rain forest could house the cure of the next pandemic or even Cancer. There's so much to be learnt from indigenous peoples. Millions of indigenous people lived in South America, then the Europeans colonised the coast 500 years ago, and viruses like flu and measles spread that killed up to 90% of the indigenous people. Numbers are recovering but these people are at threat from deforestation and we need to learn from them before it's too late. I feel the next pandemic could come from Brazil if we keep encroaching on the forest as we are, allowing viruses to jump from wild animals to humans more easily. Covid is thought to have come from bats and Pangelins, or from living too close to rain forests etc, and Measles is thought to have originated from cattle, so we really need to think about the future, whether or not you feel Covid escaped from a laboratory”. During this episode Stuart and Wlliam tackle pressing questions such as whether we should put a monetary value on these ancient cultures, and what the real ambition of integrating indigenous cultures into ours is. Maybe we should really be thinking about how we should integrate ourselves into their culture too, it's a two way street after all..They question the pursuit of eternal growth in a society driven by profit margins, and discuss the importance of valuing aspects of life beyond the monetary system. Throughout the episode, they explore the potential for mutual learning and growth between cultures and ponder whether the term "indigenous" is an umbrella term that oversimplifies the vast diversity among these groups. So we ask you to think about whether it’s true that for us to learn from someone who is different from us culturally we have to accept them for being different in the first place. And if we don’t accept that, we don’t accept what they say. 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, so be assured, that will never happen. 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. | |||