Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis

Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis

In a world where climate change remains the most pressing issue threatening our global society, it can be hard to find hope, but this podcast aims to do just that. Host and Director of the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival, Michelle Lewis, community organizer, filmmaker, and professor, and public theologian has candid conversations with other artists, activists, and environmental leaders from around the world who are doing there part to spread awareness and hope in the midst of this crisis with their work. This is the official podcast of the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival. To learn more about the festival or to buy tickets to this years festival visit www.OBXEFF.com This is a Hermit House Original Podcast. This podcast was Executive produced by Colin Harden and Michelle Lewis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

August 1, 2025 35 mins

In this episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' co-producer Colin Harden interviews Michelle Lewis, the executive director of the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival and Peace Garden Project founder. They discuss the festival's growth, the importance of making it an international event, and the unique appeal of Manteo, North Carolina. Michelle delves into the festival's origins, its commitment to highlighting global en...

Mark as Played
In this episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' host Michelle Lewis interviews Margaret Rubega, a professor and expert in ornithology. They discuss Margaret's unique research on birds, including monk parakeets, chimney swifts, and hummingbirds. The conversation covers Margaret's experience of being unexpectedly involved in a significant conservation battle in Eastern California, where she studied the impact of water export...

Mark as Played
Michelle Lewis hosts Jeff Garner, an Emmy award-winning filmmaker and sustainable fashion designer, on her podcast 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis.' They discuss Garner's new documentary 'Let Them Be Naked,' highlighting the harmful effects of synthetic fabrics and dyes on health and the environment. Garner advocates for natural fibers and transparency in fashion production. They also talk about Garner's design process, his mot...

Mark as Played
In this podcast episode of 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' Michelle interviews Francis Roberts Gregory, a feminist political ecologist and environmental anthropologist. Francis shares her journey from her eco-conscious upbringing by a single mother in rural North Carolina and Georgia, her formal education in environmental science, to her extensive work in environmental justice. She discusses her research on black and indigeno...

Mark as Played
In this podcast episode titled 'Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis,' hosted by the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival, Susanna Tuttle, the Director of the Eco-Justice Connection for the North Carolina Council of Churches, shares her journey and work in environmental and climate justice. Susanna discusses her background, including her upbringing in California and Wisconsin, her education in ecological ethics, and her work at th...

Mark as Played

In this episode of "Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis," Hosted by Michelle Lewis, we are honored to welcome Dr. Melanie Harris, a distinguished eco-womanist scholar and professor of religion. Dr. Harris's work uniquely intertwines ecology, theology, and African American women's experiences, offering profound insights into environmental ethics and spirituality.


Together, we delve into the principles of eco-womanism, exploring ho...

Mark as Played

Join host Michelle Lewis on "Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis" as she chats with co-producer Colin Harden. In this episode, Michelle and Colin explore the future of The Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival, the evolution of the podcast, and the current state of the discourse around the environment.

As the world grapples with urgent climate issues, their conversation sheds light on how we can all be part of the solution and keep...

Mark as Played

Join host Michelle Lewis in a profound conversation with John Rash, director and producer of the inspiring documentary Our Movement Starts Here. Discover John's journey, insights, and the transformative impact of COVID-19 on the film's success.


In this episode, John shares pivotal lessons learned and how adversity fueled the documentary's strength. Explore the intersection of climate action and storytelling as they discuss the p...

Mark as Played
In this episode of Finding Hope in Climate Crisis, Host Michelle Lewis chats with Joel Tauber, Wake Forest professor, activist, artist and filmmaker about his stunning film Sick- Amour: A love story, about his nearly 20 year commitment to life and health of an endangered sycamore tree captivated audiences at the OBX Environmental Film Festival and won the Hidden Story and Heart of the Festival Award. They talk about how long term ...

Mark as Played
Host Michelle Lewis facilitates this incredible Fireside chat with Filmmakers Jonathan Lee Rash, director of Our Movement Starts Here, Joanne Hershfield director of Gardening for the Planet, and Josie Stevens a seed saving activist in North Carolina. They had a great conversation around the ethics of documentary filmmaking, and the importance of regular people getting involved in their own community.

Mark as Played

In this episode Michelle Lewis talks with filmmaker Will Freund following the screening of his award winning film Blue Glacier Then and Now. He talks about documenting his father's climate change story and his passionate work as an environmental educator.




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark as Played

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark as Played

In this episode of Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis, host, Michelle Lewis sits down with Prin Uthaisangchai a 12 year old filmmaker from Thailand and the youngest award winner at the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival. They talk about where he finds hope, his continued activism to save the leatherback sea turtles in Thailand and what project we can expect to see from him next. His award winning film is called The Story of ...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis, host, Michelle Lewis talks with up and coming documentary filmmaker, Ben Cheer about is 2023 Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival winner for Best Short, Box of Life. They chat about the process of creating his award winning film from last year's festival, and documentary film’s place as a vehicle for catharsis and sparking important conversations. And answers the question: ...

Mark as Played
Guest Jamie Berger, producer, and writer of the award winning film, The Smell of Money knows a thing or tow about filmmaking as a tool for community organizing. In this episode of Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis our host Michelle Lewis talks with Jamie about her process gaining trust in the community in Eastern North Carolina while filming, advice on how everyday people can get involved with changing their community, and who sh...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Finding Hope in The Climate Crisis, host, Michelle Lewis talks with artist, activist and Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival Juror, Jeri Hilt about her creative practice, her academic and community work and her transformative experience at the inaugural Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival, last year.


For more information about the festival or to purchase tickets, visit OBXEFF.com




Mark as Played
Community Organizer, Filmmaker, Professor and Director of the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival Hosts, Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis, a podcast that highlights the best conversations from artists, activists, and environmental leaders from around the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.