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August 14, 2023 38 mins

In this episode, join Dr. Zeitz as he engages in a powerful conversation with Rylee Haught and Jay Waxse, dynamic leaders of Climate Defiance. This youth-led movement is fervently dedicated to leveraging disruptive, peaceful, and direct actions to drive swift and comprehensive change to avert the gravest consequences of the climate emergency. Born out of the Biden administration's approval of the Alaska Willow Project, a colossal oil drilling endeavor on public land, Climate Defiance sprang to life in April 2023.


Rylee and Jay recount their journey of activism, detailing their experience with non-violent civil disobedience at the White House Correspondents Dinner, at a fundraiser for President Biden and many more direct actions. With Rylee's deep West Virginia roots and psychology degree, and Jay's engineering background from Omaha, Nebraska, they bring unique perspectives and unwavering commitment to the frontline of climate direct action to wake up policymakers and the public.


Listen in as they discuss their involvement, motivations, and the urgent need for governmental accountability and action. They delve into the necessity of holding politicians, irrespective of their party affiliations, to their promises and the call for an official declaration of a climate emergency. As the conversation unfolds, discover the physical, emotional, and mental resilience activists who take direct action, as well as, their unwavering determination to drive bold action in response to the climate emergency at this pivotal juncture in history.


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