Climate Changed

By: The BTS Center
  • Summary

  • Climate Changed is a podcast about spiritual leadership in a climate-changed world. Hosted by Nicole Diroff and Ben Yosua-Davis, Climate Changed features guests who deepen the conversation while also stirring the waters. The Climate Changed podcast is a project of The BTS Center.
    Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
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Episodes
  • The Bible and Climate Change with Kyle Meyaard-Schaap and Peterson Toscano
    Nov 19 2024
    In this episode of Climate Changed, host Ben Yosua-Davis is joined by guest host Derrick Weston to explore how the Bible can inform climate action. Featuring conversations with Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap and Peterson Toscano, they discuss how scripture and faith-based teachings can guide Christians toward a hopeful and proactive response to the climate crisis. See full show notes, transcript, and more by visiting www.climatechangedpodcast.org Grounding: The episode opens with a grounding exercise led by Beverly Ward, Field Secretary for Earthcare for Southeastern Yearly Meeting. Beverly invites listeners to recall their earliest, most joyful memories in nature, emphasizing how these experiences can inspire a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and care for creation. Main Conversation: Host Ben Yosua-Davis and guest host Derrick Weston listen to Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap and Peterson Toscano engage in a thoughtful discussion on how the Bible and Christian faith can be foundational to climate action. Rev. Meyaard-Schaap, Executive Director of the Association for a More Just Society–US, shares insights from his recent book, Following Jesus in a Warming World, which explores how climate advocacy expresses Christian discipleship. Peterson Toscano, is a Bible scholar and in addition to producing the Climate Changed podcast, he works on other podcasts including Citizens Climate Radio, Quakers Today, and Bubble and Squeak. A climate-focused performance artist, in this episode he shares his personal “climate life verse” and reflects on how Biblical teachings have shaped his environmental work. Together, they explore the role of scripture in guiding and inspiring practical steps toward environmental responsibility and justice. Next Steps: Reflect on a Climate Life Verse: Identify a Bible verse or story that grounds you in creation care, and share it with a friend or on social media.Engage in Lectio Terra: Take 20–40 minutes practicing Lectio Terra, a meditative exercise inspired by Lectio Divina that encourages connection with scripture, God, and the land.Organize a Climate Sunday: Host a Climate Sunday service at your church featuring climate-centered sermons and calls to climate action.Join Seasonal Climate Actions: Participate in programs like the Lent Carbon Fast with friends to reduce your carbon footprint.Shorten Your Food Chain: Support local agriculture by growing your own food or connecting with nearby farmers, reducing the distance your food travels. Discover more resources at Creation Justice Ministries. Additional Resources: Creation Care: A Biblical Theology of the Natural World — explore how scripture calls us to care for creation.Young Evangelicals for Climate Action — a network supporting young Christians in climate advocacy.The Green Lectionary Podcast, hosted by Derrick WestonWhat Does the Bible Say about Climate Change, Episode 30 of Citizens Climate Radio Meet Guest(s): Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap: Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap is the Executive Director of the Association for a More Just Society–US. An ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church in North America, Kyle holds a B.A. in religious studies from Calvin University and an M.Div. from Western Theological Seminary. For over a decade, he has mobilized Christians worldwide to engage with climate action as an act of discipleship. His recent book, Following Jesus in a Warming World, has garnered national and international attention, with features in PBS, NPR, CNN, and The New York Times. Kyle lives with his wife and two sons in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Peterson Toscano: Peterson Toscano is a performance artist and activist known for his creative approaches to climate advocacy. As a podcast host of Citizens Climate Radio, Quakers Today, and Bubble and Squeak, Peterson uses storytelling to inspire action on climate change, social justice, and LGBTQ+ issues. His work encourages listeners to view climate change as an invitation to imagine and build a more hopeful, just world. Beverly Ward: Beverly Ward serves as Field Secretary for Earthcare at Southeastern Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends and co-clerk of Quaker Earthcare Witness. Beverly assists local meetings with environmental stewardship projects and connects them to broader Quaker initiatives. She collaborates with the Quaker United Nations Office, represents the Florida Council of Churches, and teaches anthropology at the University of South Florida. Derrick Weston: Derrick Weston is a writer, filmmaker, podcaster, and educator who focuses on the intersection of food, faith, and social justice. He co-hosts the Food and Faith podcast and created the film series A Wilderness Like Eden, which highlights food justice work within church communities. Derrick holds degrees in film studies and divinity and a health ministry certification. His recent book, The Just Kitchen, encourages sustainable and connected approaches to cooking and community. ...
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    56 mins
  • Jewish Perspectives on Climate Change with Joelle Novey and Jessica Jacobs
    Oct 15 2024
    Brief Episode Description:

    In this episode, Nicole Diroff and guest co-host Dr. Keisha McKenzie discuss Jewish perspectives on climate change with Joelle Novey, director of Interfaith Power & Light (DC, MD, and Northern VA), and poet Jessica Jacobs. Joelle shares insights into how her Jewish faith informs her climate work and reads from her latest poetry collection, Unalone.

    For full show notes, including links and transcript, visit www.climatechangedpodcast.org

    Grounding:

    The episode begins with a grounding moment from Jessica Jacobs, who reads her poem “Collective Nouns” from her poetry collection Unalone. The poem proposes an alternative view of Noah and the Ark story. Jessica’s evocative language offers a moment of reflection as listeners prepare to engage with the conversation.

    Main Conversation:

    Joelle Novey shares how her Jewish faith guides her commitment to climate action, drawing from centuries of Jewish wisdom on justice and community. She highlights the importance of religious values in confronting the climate crisis, such as the Jewish principle of "pikuach nefesh" (saving a life), and how it drives her work. Joelle also discusses practical climate solutions through grassroots organizing, offering inspiring stories about her work with faith communities and environmental advocacy.

    Dr. Keisha McKenzie and Nicole reflect on the stories of Noah’s Ark, addressing "small boat theology" and how climate action should include everyone, not just a select few. Together, they challenge listeners to consider how they can contribute to building a future of solidarity and collective action in response to climate change.

    Next Steps:
    • Join a Movement: Joelle encourages listeners to join or create a movement within their community that promotes systemic climate action. To connect with others, check out Interfaith Power & Light’s national network.
    • Community Organizing: Think about ways you can partner with local organizations or faith communities to amplify your climate advocacy. Collective action is powerful!
    • Start a Conversation: Initiate discussions about climate change within your congregation or community, asking how they can respond with integrity and compassion.
    Additional Resources:
    • (Add BTS Center resources and other resources)
    • All We Can Save Project
    Meet the Guests:

    Dr. Keisha E. McKenzie, our guest co-host, s a strategist and thought leader who blends communication, religion, spirituality, and politics as tools for social change. With over sixteen years of experience in nonprofit and educational leadership across the US, Keisha’s work spans leadership facilitation, faith organizing, and development strategy. She holds a PhD in technical communication and rhetoric from Texas Tech University, where her research focused on British governmental communication about weapons of mass destruction. Dr. McKenzie is a co-host of the PRX podcast Moral Repair: A Black Exploration of Tech and is deeply committed to advancing faith-rooted justice and human dignity.

    • Keisha’s website
    • Glitch
    • LinkedIn
    • Mastodon
    • Spotify

    Joelle Novey is the director of Interfaith Power & Light (DC, MD, and Northern VA), where she mobilizes faith communities to engage in climate action. Joelle has a background in social studies and religion from Harvard and previously worked at Green America. Her work focuses on empowering religious communities to act on their moral obligation to protect the planet.

    • Interfaith Power & Light

    Jessica Jacobs is an award-winning poet and author of Unalone, a collection of poems that engage deeply with the Hebrew Bible. Her work reflects on themes of climate change, spirituality, and justice, using poetic language to draw connections between ancient stories and contemporary crises.

    • Jessica’s Website
    • Instagram
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    54 mins
  • The Power of Ritual and Story with Brian McLaren and Favianna Rodriguez
    Sep 17 2024
    In the Season Three premiere of the Climate Changed Podcast, hosts Ben Yosua-Davis and Nicole Diroff engage in a powerful conversation with Brian McLaren, an influential author, activist, and public theologian. They explore the vital role faith communities can play in addressing climate change, drawing on insights from McLaren’s latest book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. The discussion focuses on navigating and redefining hope, resilience, and meaningful action in the face of our current environmental crises. Links to discussion guide and transcript Grounding: The episode begins with a grounding exercise led by artist and activist Favianna Rodriguez, who reads from her essay “Harnessing Cultural Power” from the anthology All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis. Rodriguez emphasizes the transformative power of stories in shaping culture and driving social change, particularly in the climate movement. Her words set the stage for the episode’s exploration of how narratives and rituals can inspire collective action. Listen to Favianna read the entire essay. Main Conversation: Brian McLaren joins the podcast to discuss his new book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. The conversation touches on the profound sense of "doom" many feel in the face of climate change and how this emotion can be harnessed to foster courage and hope. McLaren explains that his book is not about predicting the end of the world but rather about navigating the complex emotions and challenges of our time. He discusses the importance of confronting our fears and how faith leaders can help guide communities through these uncertain times. The episode also delves into how religious texts, like the Bible, can be reinterpreted as ecological literature offering wisdom for today’s climate crisis. You are invited to Life After Doom: An Evening with Brian McLaren https://thebtscenter.org/life-after-doom-a-book-study/Wednesday, October 30 • 7.00 - 8.30pm (Eastern) • Online And Special Book Study Life After Doom: A Book Study https://thebtscenter.org/life-after-doom-a-book-study/ Tuesdays 4:00pm - 5:15pm (Eastern) • Online October 15 – November 19, 2024 Next Steps: Start a Climate Journal: Reflect on your feelings about living in a climate-changed world. Personalize a journal and set aside 20–30 minutes each week to write, draw, or press leaves. Begin by noting your takeaways from this episode.Share with a Friend: Tell a friend about this episode and discuss Brian McLaren’s book, Life After Doom. Consider why it might be important for others to read and reflect on it.Engage in Prayer or Meditation: After listening to the conversation, take time to ground yourself. Consider praying or meditating on the insights shared, especially if you feel overwhelmed. Additional Resources: Brian McLaren’s Website All We Can Save Project Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart Life After Doom Playlist Meet Guest: Guest bio with social media links + headshot Brian McLaren is an author, activist, and public theologian known for his pioneering work in progressive Christianity. His latest book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, provides a roadmap for facing the future with honesty, hope, and courage. McLaren is a core faculty member and the Dean of Faculty at the Center for Action and Contemplation, co-hosts the podcast Learning How to See, and is an Auburn Senior Fellow. TwitterInstagram Favianna Rodriguez is an artist, activist, and cultural organizer based in Oakland, California. She is renowned for her vibrant artwork and advocacy, which focus on social justice issues such as immigration, racial justice, gender equity, and climate change. Rodriguez is the co-founder of The Center for Cultural Power, where she empowers artists to create work that fosters social change. Her essay, Harnessing Cultural Power, featured in the anthology All We Can Save, highlights the importance of storytelling in the climate movement and was a focal point in this episode’s grounding exercise. InstagramTwitterFacebookWebsite THANK YOUS We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this episode possible: Brian McLaren and Favianna Rodriguez, for sharing their insights and wisdom with us.Anna Barron, our fantastic podcast production intern, for her work producing the Next Steps segment and contributing to the overall episode production.Rev. Ash Temin, Communications Manager at The BTS Center, for her vital role in ensuring the smooth communication and promotion of this episode.Peterson Toscano for his continued excellence in producing the Climate Changed Podcast. The BTS Center thanks you for your ongoing support and for providing the resources and platform that make this podcast possible. For discussion guide, transcripts, and more visit www.climatechangedpodcast.org
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    1 hr and 7 mins

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