In this raw and powerful solo episode, Katie Zakrzewski lays it all bare. After 54 wildfires ripped across Arkansas—one of which devastated the historic St. Joseph Center in North Little Rock—Katie reflects on climate change, grief, frustration, and what it means to be a young conservative environmentalist in a world that keeps burning while those in power keep denying.

This one hits close to home—literally. Katie shares the personal significance of the St. Joseph Center, the sacred history it carried, and how it became a refuge during a difficult chapter of Katie's life after being laid off from Citizens Climate Lobby. Now it’s gone. But Katie doesn’t just sit in the ashes—she asks: What do we do now?

🔥 Topics Covered:

• The shocking rise of wildfires in Arkansas

• The destruction of the 115-year-old St. Joseph Center

• Climate denial and conservative inaction

• Grief, anger, and spiritual doubt in the face of loss

• The challenge of staying hopeful and motivated

• Self-care as a radical act of resistance

🛠️ Action Steps This Week:

• Take care of yourself: nap, shower, clean one room, watch birds, eat something you love

• Put your phone down and go to bed 30 minutes earlier

• Be gentle with yourself—especially if no one else is

• Remember: you caring might be the one thing keeping evil from winning

• St. Joseph Center of Arkansas – Donation Page (if available)

• Katie's article about the St Joseph Center fire

• More info on Arkansas wildfires

📧 Email us: info@greenteapartyradio.com 📲 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and TikTok 🎧 Want early access to episodes & exclusive merch? Visit: greenteapartyradio.com 📡 Want to bring Green Tea Party Radio to your college station? Let us know!

Disclaimer: Green Tea Party Radio is an independent project and does not represent the views of the Diocese of Little Rock, Catholic Climate Covenant, NASA, or any of our employers.

In this feisty episode, hosts Katie Zakrzewski and Zach Torpy dive deep into the turbulent waters of tariffs, trade, and environmental politics in North America. They break down former President Trump's tariff roller coaster with Mexico and Canada, exploring the economic and environmental ripple effects of these on-again, off-again trade barriers.

Highlights include a profile of Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female and Jewish president, whose environmental and economic policies represent a significant departure from her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. From expanding renewable energy to improving mass transit and rail infrastructure, Sheinbaum’s bold commitments could reshape Mexico’s role in North America.

Katie and Zach also critically assess Trump's approach to tariffs, immigration, and international relations, questioning the sustainability and rationale behind recent trade policies.

Episode Highlights:

• Analysis of Trump's trade policies and their chaotic implications.

• Claudia Sheinbaum’s groundbreaking presidency and environmental ambitions.

• Economic realities of U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade interdependencies.

• Environmental impacts of shifting supply chains due to tariffs.

• Insightful (and snarky) takes on immigration policies and cross-border issues.

Action Steps (Katie’s libertarian endorsement): “File your taxes or don't—clearly, it doesn’t matter anymore. Steal street signs; you've already paid for them anyway!”

Join the Conversation! 📧 Email us: info@greenteapartyradio.com 📲 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and TikTok 🎧 Want early access to episodes & exclusive merch? Visit: greenteapartyradio.com 📡 Want to bring Green Tea Party Radio to your college station? Let us know!

Disclaimer: Green Tea Party Radio is an independent project and does not represent the views of the Diocese of Little Rock, Catholic Climate Covenant, NASA, or any of our employers.

In this special episode of Green Tea Party Radio, host Katie Zakrzewski shares her personal list of influential heroes who have shaped her identity as a conservative environmentalist. These figures—ranging from presidents and politicians to scientists, authors, and activists—offer diverse perspectives on conservative stewardship of the environment. Discover their notable achievements, influential writings, and learn how their legacies continue to inspire environmental responsibility within a conservative framework. NOTE: not all of the following identified as conservatives, but Katie is open to common sense voices even if they are not conservative.

Katie’s Environmental Heroes:

• Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919): 26th President of the U.S., pioneer of American conservation, founder of numerous national parks, wildlife refuges, and the Antiquities Act.

• Russell Kirk (1918–1994): Influential conservative philosopher advocating traditional stewardship, land conservation, and responsible environmental practices.

• Barry Goldwater (1909–1998): Arizona Senator and conservative libertarian who championed public land conservation and sustainable resource use.

• James Watt (1938–2023): Reagan’s Secretary of the Interior, promoted market-based approaches to land management and conservation policy.

• Gale Norton (b. 1954): Secretary of the Interior under George W. Bush, focused on state-driven, market-friendly conservation policies and renewable energy.

• Conrad Black (b. 1944): Conservative writer advocating balanced environmental regulation for economic growth and ecological preservation.

• Maggie Gallagher (b. 1962): Conservative commentator connecting strong family values to sustainable environmental practices.

• Rachel Carson (1907–1964): Marine biologist whose book Silent Spring sparked modern environmentalism and led to the banning of harmful pesticides like DDT.

• John Muir (1838–1914): Scottish-American naturalist, co-founder of the Sierra Club, instrumental in establishing Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.

• E.O. Wilson (1929–2021): Biologist renowned for biodiversity conservation, sociobiology, and advocating the protection of global habitats.

• Jane Goodall (b. 1934): Celebrated primatologist and conservationist, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, promoting sustainable development and animal welfare.

• Barry Commoner (1917–2012): Pioneer of modern environmentalism, linked industrial practices to ecological health and advocated scientific policy solutions.

• Barton Seaver (b. 1976): Chef and advocate for sustainable seafood and marine conservation, bridging culinary arts with environmental responsibility.

• Wendell Berry (b. 1934): Poet, farmer, and essayist emphasizing sustainable agriculture, local economies, and community-focused environmental stewardship.

• Dr. Sylvia Earle (b. 1935): Marine biologist dedicated to ocean conservation, founder of Mission Blue, and influential advocate for protecting marine biodiversity.

Join the Conversation! 📧 Email us: info@greenteapartyradio.com 📲 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and TikTok 🎧 Want early access to episodes & exclusive merch? Visit: greenteapartyradio.com 📡 Want to bring Green Tea Party Radio to your college station? Let us know!

Disclaimer: Green Tea Party Radio is an independent project and does not represent the views of the Diocese of Little Rock, Catholic Climate Covenant, or any of our employers.