250: The Founders Loved the Land…and Left One Thing Unfinished
In the final "250 for 250" episode, Matt explores how America's founders viewed land, soil, and stewardship. From Jefferson's weather journals to Washington's farming practices, he reveals the ideals—and myths—that shaped our relationship with nature.
249: He Watched January 6 Happen (Then Wrote This Book), with Brian Jay Jones
Biographer Brian Jay Jones explores the environmental legacy of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, the surprising story behind The Cat in the Hat, and why storytelling shapes climate action. He also discusses his new book, The Capitol, and America's evolving identity.
247: America’s Best Idea – How the U.S. Invented the National Park
Matt explores the story behind America’s national parks - from Yellowstone’s creation in 1872 and John Muir’s influence on Theodore Roosevelt to today’s battles over public lands. Part of the “250 for 250” series on environmental history and civic action.
246: Micah Loewinger on the Decades-Long Movement to Kill FEMA
Matt speaks with Micah Loewinger, co-host of On the Media, about FEMA, disaster misinformation, and the politics of emergency management. They explore conspiracy theories, Hurricane Helene, climate-driven disasters, and the agency's uncertain future.
245: How 20 Million Americans Got a Republican President to Build the EPA
Earth Day 1970 brought 20 million Americans into the streets, helping create the EPA, Clean Air Act, and Clean Water Act. This episode explores the era’s bipartisan support for environmental protection and asks how that shared commitment was lost.
237: The Environmental Toll of the Iran War, with Doug Weir
Matt talks with Doug Weir (CEOBS) about the overlooked environmental damage of war, tracking Iran conflict incidents, risks to the Persian Gulf, and how military emissions and spending hinder climate accountability.
210: Trump’s Environmental Manifesto (and Why It’s a Joke)
Matt and comedian Bill Kessler unpack Trump’s UN speech - climate denial, wind energy rants, and word salads. A lighter, comedic take with sharp undertones about leadership on the world stage.
205: Trump and EPA’s Endangerment Finding
A Climate Change panel dissects Trump’s bid to repeal the EPA’s Endangerment Finding, exposing threats to health, economy, and U.S. climate leadership, while stressing legal fights and public action ahead.
204: Why Trump’s Wind Power Myths Hurt His Supporters the Most with Rob Verchick
Rob Verchick explores ocean conservation, offshore wind, and climate resilience, revealing how local action drives progress despite federal resistance and political division.
203: How Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Is The Undoing of Climate Progress
Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” risks undoing clean energy gains and protections. Experts join Matt Matern live to assess its climate and public health impacts.
180: Paul Hawken: What If We’re Thinking About Climate Change All Wrong?
Not all solutions are truly sustainable. Paul Hawken uncovers how some industries hide environmental harm behind "green" marketing—while real innovation is happening elsewhere.
179: Heather McTeer Toney’s Mission to Fight for Environmental Justice
The climate crisis won’t wait, and neither can we. Local leaders and activists are stepping up to drive change where it matters most. Heather McTeer Toney explains why this moment is critical for climate action and policy reform.
178: Winning the Climate Fight: Saad Amer on Strategy & Action
In this episode of A Climate Change, we’re joined by Saad Amer, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and environmental justice expert, to explore the intersection of climate activism and politics.
177: Simulating the Future: How Climate Models Shape Policy Decisions with Andrew Jones
Andrew Jones, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Climate Interactive, explores climate simulation tools shaping global policy. He discusses the En ROADS model used by Congress.
176: Joshua Spodek on Transforming Lives Through Sustainable Living
Join astrophysicist & bestselling author Dr. Joshua Spodek on A Climate Change as he unveils the Spodek Method—sustainable living that frees you from 'doof' and inspires change.
175: Bill McKibben on Renewable Energy, Political Battles & Hope for the Planet
Renowned environmentalist Bill McKibben discusses renewable energy and climate action on solar power’s surge, China’s clean tech, emission hurdles, and his new 'Sunday' solar plan.
166: Beyond Recycling: Auden Schendler on Systemic Climate Solutions
Matt Matern speaks with Auden Schendler, SVP at Aspen One, about tackling climate change. They discuss systemic reforms, the Inflation Reduction Act, state initiatives, and how citizens can reshape policy to fight climate complicity.
159: Project 2025 & the Threat to Climate Policy Under Trump with Paul Bledsoe (Part 2)
Paul Bledsoe warns of Trump’s radical “Project 2025,” which aims to dismantle key environmental protections. He contrasts this with Kamala Harris’s centrist, clean energy approach and stresses the importance of voter turnout to safeguard the climate and global stability.
158: Clean Energy, Jobs, & the Future: Paul Bledsoe on the 2024 Presidential Election (Part 1)
Paul Bledsoe warns of Trump’s radical “Project 2025,” which aims to dismantle key environmental protections. He contrasts this with Kamala Harris’s centrist, clean energy approach and stresses the importance of voter turnout to safeguard the climate and global stability.
150: Saving the Amazon with Daniel Gutierrez: Indigenous Wisdom Meets Modern Conservation
Daniel Gutierrez, CEO of Saving the Amazon, emphasizes the critical need for global collaboration, indigenous involvement, and significant investment in conservation efforts to combat deforestation and safeguard the Amazon.
140: Paul Bledsoe, Clinton White House Insider Turned Climate Activist
Paul Bledsoe, former Clinton White House official, discusses urgent climate issues, methane reduction, global cooperation, and Biden's climate plan in a comprehensive interview with Matt Matern.
137: A Vision for Change: Marianne Williamson on a Fossil-Free Future, Creating a Department of Peace, & more!
Marianne Williamson criticizes Joe Biden's environmental policies, urging for a moral approach to climate change. She calls for mass mobilization, transformative leadership, and global action, suggesting tariffs to encourage sustainable practices.
125: Justin J. Pearson, TN State Representative District 86
A Rising Star, State Representative Justin J. Pearson is a devoted to getting Climate Justice and Racial Justice for all Americans.
121: Sir Jonathon Porritt on Climate Change and Economic Transformation
Matt Matern and Sir Jonathon Porritt discuss his book "Hope in Hell," stressing urgent climate action and economic perspectives. He highlights the rapid climate change, media misinformation, and the need for solidarity among advocates.
