Best Extractivism Podcasts (2025)

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Saving Balkhash: Kazakhstan's largest lake under threat from extractivism and climate change 40:43

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2d ago40:43

40:43

Lake Balkhash is the 14th largest lake in the world and one of the largest in Asia. Its ecological importance is matched by the number of threats it has been facing for decades: copper mining, hydropower, agricultural development – and now a nuclear power plant. How to reach local communities and experts, scientists and policy-makers, cultural inst…

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CIRAN Podcast: Extractivism and the Green Transition 46:16

8d ago46:16

46:16

The final episode of the CIRAN podcast “Reconciling Two Societal Needs: Resource Extraction and Nature Conservation” features political scientist Thea Riofrancos, whose work focuses on resource extraction, climate change, green transitions and the global lithium sector. Drawing on her book Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism, she analyses…

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PLANTS ARE POLITICAL on the Flavor of Za'atar S1:2 30:08

7d ago30:08

30:08

“If you don't forage for Za’atar, how are you going to feel connected to the land? How are you going to understand what your ancestors have been doing for thousands of years here?” - Aya Gazawi Faour In For The Wild’s series in collaboration with Olive Odyssey, we hear from Aya Gazawi Faour, their co-founder, who shares about plants indigenous to t…

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PLANTS ARE POLITICAL on the Lifeway of Olive Trees S1:1 39:15

17d ago39:15

39:15

“The moment people are disconnected from their land and from the plants around them, it's easier to control them because they don't feel the spiritual connection to the land.” —Aya Gazawi Faour, Olive Odyssey Co-Founder In For The Wild’s new series in collaboration with Olive Odyssey, we hear from their co-founder, Aya Gazawi Faour, who shares abou…

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CIRAN Podcast: NIMBYsm and Challenges to Democracy 29:11

22d ago29:11

29:11

Economist and former Secretary General of the Norwegian Mineral Industry, Elisabeth Gammelsæter, discusses how local “Not In My Backyard” reactions influence decisions on mining, energy projects, and critical raw materials across Europe. Drawing on her book Not in My Neighborhood: Why NIMBY Cases Challenge Norwegian Democracy, she explains that loc…

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Sabaheta Ramcilović-Suominen - How can radical intraconnectedness help address the global polycrisis? 50:13

27d ago50:13

50:13

This month we are delighted to have a conversation with Sabaheta Ramcilović-Suominen, who is an Associate Professor in International Forest Policy and Governance at the Natural Resources Institute, Finland (LUKE). Saba talks to us about her contributions to the recently published, open access book, Socioecological Transformations: Linking Ontologie…

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CIRAN Podcast: Public Perception of Mining 36:35

29d ago36:35

36:35

How can mining companies build trust and accountability? Aimee Boulanger discusses the evolving expectations of communities, investors, and consumers, and how transparency, environmental stewardship, and fair benefit-sharing can redefine mining’s role in society. Insightful examples show how responsible mining can be a force for good.…

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From Central Asia to the Amazon: preparing for COP30 28:47

2M ago28:47

28:47

Central Asia is among the world's most vulnerable regions to climate change. Already today, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are facing various climate consequences: from droughts to landslides, from glacier melts to flash floods. At the same time, this region's energy landscape contains almost all energy sources from…

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CIRAN Podcast: Europe's Industrial Competitiveness 22:21

2M ago22:21

22:21

Mika Riipi discusses how political pressures, public acceptance, and sustainability goals intersect in shaping Europe’s mining future. He reflects on the role of the Critical Raw Materials Act, local governance, and regional innovation in maintaining Europe’s global industrial competitiveness in a resource-constrained world.…

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Georgia de Leeuw - How can psychoanalysis explain the Seductiveness of Extractivism and Techno-solutionism? 50:39

2M ago50:39

50:39

This month we are honored to be joined by Georgia de Leeuw who is a post-doctoral researcher in Human Rights Studies at Lund University. Georgia’s research has focused on Swedish mining and steel transition, in which steel is produced with hydrogen instead of coal. We start the conversation talking about Swedish exceptionalism and what this means i…

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ILLUMINATING WORLDVIEWS on The Art That Reclaims Us S1:4 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

ILLUMINATING WORLDVIEWS on The Art That Reclaims Us S1:4 In this resounding end to our Illuminating Worldviews series, Ayana speaks with artists Dr. Aubyn O’Grady and Jackie Olson about collective art and creative processes. Aubyn and Jackie share about their work on The Willow Basket Project at the Yukon School of Visual Arts and explore the ways …

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CIRAN Podcast: Nature Conservation and Mining 23:44

2M ago23:44

23:44

Can mining and nature coexist? Estonian ecologist Leelo Kukk brings a conservationist’s lens to the discussion, highlighting the need for strict environmental regulations, robust impact assessments, and increased recycling before opening new mines. A thought-provoking look at how we can protect biodiversity while meeting material demands.…

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From coal to clean? Renewable energy pioneers in Central Asia 43:56

2M ago43:56

43:56

Central Asia is among the world's most vulnerable regions to climate change. And while some of the Central Asian countries are heavily reliant on fossil fuels, there is potential for renewable energy across this entire part of the world. Let's have a closer look at electricity today. Who are the main drivers of the energy transition? Is cross-borde…

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ILLUMINATING WORLDVIEWS on AI and Courting the Otherwise S1:3 1:00:00

2M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

ILLUMINATING WORLDVIEWS on AI and Courting the Otherwise S1:3 How might we face the end? Continuing our Illuminating Worldviews series, Vanessa Andreotti and Ayana delve into questions of what it means to live well during this fractured end of modernity. How can we best visualize the systems that have brought us to this point, and how might we brin…

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ILLUMINATING WORLDVIEWS on Land, Language, and Love S1:2 58:06

3M ago58:06

58:06

Continuing our Illuminating Worldviews series, we hear from X̱ʼunei Lance Twitchell in conversation with Guná Jensen exploring the vital work of Tlingít language revitalization. Together, they reflect on the deep emotional resonance of speaking in one’s ancestral language, and how this practice opens an anti-colonial lens in which to see and feel t…

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ILLUMINATING WORLDVIEWS on Emotional Competency S1:1 59:58

3M ago59:58

59:58

Over the past months, For The Wild has journeyed to the Yukon in partnership with Illuminating Worldviews. Illuminating Worldviews is a space for examining the worldviews in which we find ourselves and to learn how they actively shape the material realities of our lives. This project, rooted and colored by the land of the Yukon invites questioning,…

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Markus Kröger - What path dependencies determine if a forest is Clearcut? (Clearcut book discussion) 59:51

3M ago59:51

59:51

(UPDATE: Open access book out now! Link below) This month we are delighted to be joined by Markus Kröger, professor of Global Development Studies at University of Helsinki. Markus has joined the show before as a founder of the EXALT Initiative and as a PI in the Trees for Development project. This time Markus is here to talk to us about his new boo…

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CIRAN Podcast: Social Responsibility and Community Engagement 21:31

4M ago21:31

21:31

What does meaningful community engagement really look like? Emily Ritchey shares insights into how mining companies can earn trust, respect local cultures, and ensure long-term social acceptance. Drawing from best practices and regulatory frameworks, this episode examines why social responsibility is no longer optional but essential.…

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Of trolleybuses and mountains: struggling for clean air in Kyrgyzstan and community empowerment in Tajikistan 57:51

4M ago57:51

57:51

Today, we are introducing you to two people at the forefront of activism and resistance to very concrete environmental issues in their home countries, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Boris talks to Bermet Borubaeva, urban environment analyst, artist and founder of the initiative #BishkekSmog, on her struggle for clean air in the Kyrgyz capital, the pres…

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Nikolai Siimes - How do microbes view the world? 50:47

4M ago50:47

50:47

This week we had the pleasure to be joined by Nikolai Siimes, who is a more than human geographer at Waipapa Taumata Rau/The University of Auckland. In addition to his academic research, he has worked for almost a decade in the wine sector in different capacities. He describes his PhD as an ethnography of wine, which uses wine as a case to follow m…

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JOANNA MACY on the World as Lover and Self⌠HOMAGE⌡ /371 59:43

5M ago59:43

59:43

On July 19th, Joanna Macy, beloved teacher and past guest, passed away peacefully at home in Berkeley, California. In honor of her legacy, we are rebroadcasting her episode “The World as Lover and Self,” originally released in 2015 when the show was titled Unlearn and Rewild. In this deeply resonant conversation, Ayana speaks with Joanna on grief, …

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The Mirror of Fear - With Michael Walker 5:00

5M ago5:00

5:00

Michael Walker examines how fear-driven politics have led powerful nations down self-destructive paths. Drawing on the words of the Roman historian Livy, Walker reflects on the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza and their human and economic toll, arguing that a desire for security has led to policies that ultimately weaken the state. He compares …

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Alexander Dunlap - How do we recognize the political occupation facilitating extractivism? 1:04:23

5M ago1:04:23

1:04:23

We are delighted to welcome Alexander Dunlap back to the EXALT podcast for a conversation about his latest work. Xander has been looking at rare earth element mining, lithium mining, and solar panel lifecycles in the United States. Right now, he is writing up the research on the disposal and decommissioning of solar panels, which is where our conve…

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War, Power, and No Debate - With Julie Macken (rpt) 5:00

5M ago5:00

5:00

In this powerful episode, Julie Macken delivers a scathing critique of global warmongering and questions Australia's undemocratic war powers. She urges listeners to hold their leaders accountable before we're dragged into yet another foreign conflict. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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ANDREA GIBSON on the Blessings of the Wound [HOMAGE] /370 1:10:52

5M ago1:10:52

1:10:52

We are rebroadcasting our extended conversation with Andrea Gibson as we honor their death on July 14th, 2025. The conversation, originally aired In September of 2023, was entitled “The Blessings of the Wound.” For so many of us who have been touched by Andrea’s work, their death is a deep wound, one that will stretch and expand our hearts in accor…

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Reckoning and Resistance - With Julie Macken 5:00

5M ago5:00

5:00

This week on The Five Minute Advocate Julie Macken reflects on a week of seismic national revelations — from findings of systemic racism and genocide against First Nations people to questions surrounding the timing and motivations behind Gillian Segal’s controversial antisemitism report. She also warns of the dangerous implications of Australia mil…

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CIRAN Podcast: Technological Innovation in Mining 25:00

5M ago25:00

25:00

Technological breakthroughs are reshaping how we mine. Philipp Hartlieb walks us through cutting-edge innovations from sensor technologies to digital mining platforms, and how they support safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible operations. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of sustainable mining.…

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Overtourism - With Michael Walker 5:00

6M ago5:00

5:00

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Michael Walker unpacks the rising global backlash against overtourism—from Everest traffic jams to angry locals in Europe and Japan. With environmental damage and housing crises mounting, he asks: is it time to rethink how, and where, we travel? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Extractivism – with Michael Walker (rpt) 5:00

6M ago5:00

5:00

With renewable energy surviving Australia’s election, in this episode of The Five Minute Advocate Michael Walker explores the challenges ahead—including the environmental cost of lithium mining on Indigenous land. Michael also highlights the little-known First Nations Clean Energy Strategy as a rare chance to shift power and ownership to Indigenous…

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CIRAN Podcast: Funding Critical Minerals Supply Chains 33:27

6M ago33:27

33:27

How can we finance the future of energy? Abigail Hunter delves into the immense investment challenges of building resilient and ethical supply chains for critical minerals. From public-private partnerships to innovative financing models, this episode explores strategies to bridge the funding gap and secure vital resources for the green transition.…

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Taru Salmenkari - How has external civil society promotion met the local will to be global in China? 49:22

6M ago49:22

49:22

This month we are joined by Taru Salmenkari who does research on Chinese NGOs. Taru has a long career studying China, NGOs, and the role of civil society. We are super lucky to catch Taru right as her new book comes out, Global Ideas, Local Adaptations: Chinese Activism and the Will to Make Civil Society. By “exploring the boundaries, fringes, and …

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War, Power, and No Debate - With Julie Macken 5:00

6M ago5:00

5:00

In this powerful episode, Julie Macken delivers a scathing critique of global warmongering and questions Australia's undemocratic war powers. She urges listeners to hold their leaders accountable before we're dragged into yet another foreign conflict. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Mobility Justice - With Michael Walker 5:00

6M ago5:00

5:00

Michael Walker explores how Australia's car-dependent suburbs are failing residents—driving up costs, limiting mobility, and eroding health. He makes the case for better public and active transport options that reconnect communities and reduce our reliance on cars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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King’s Birthday Reflections – Have We Really Progressed? - With Eva Cox 5:00

7M ago5:00

5:00

In this episode of A Five Minute Advocate, Eva Cox reflects on the significance of the King’s birthday honours — and uses the moment to ask broader questions about the state of the world. Drawing on her own experience as a Jewish refugee born before World War II, Eva examines the erosion of postwar optimism, the impact of power and technology, and …

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CIRAN Podcast: Mining in Europe’s Backyard 42:09

7M ago42:09

42:09

In this episode, Peter Tom Jones addresses the complex reality of mining in Europe, exploring why the Not-In-My-Backyard (NIMBY) mindset prevails and what it means for Europe’s transition to clean energy.By CIRAN Project

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Courage, Cowardice, and Palestine - With Julie Macken 5:00

7M ago5:00

5:00

Julie Macken reflects on moral courage in the face of Australia’s muted response to the crisis in Gaza. Drawing on legal commentary and historical parallels, she argues that ignoring international law erodes national trust, damages our global standing, and inflicts deep moral injury. In just five minutes, she makes a compelling case for why silence…

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Markus Kröger and Manuela Picq - What strategies and lessons can resistance movements share? 46:56

7M ago46:56

46:56

This month we are very excited to be trying out a different format as we are joined by two former guests, Manuela Picq and Markus Kröger. Manuela and Markus both have work related to resistance efforts and we thought that their respective work would come together into a quite interesting discussion. First each gives insight into their respective ex…

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Extractivism – with Michael Walker 5:00

7M ago5:00

5:00

With renewable energy surviving Australia’s election, in this episode of The Five Minute Advocate Michael Walker explores the challenges ahead—including the environmental cost of lithium mining on Indigenous land. Michael also highlights the little-known First Nations Clean Energy Strategy as a rare chance to shift power and ownership to Indigenous…

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What Now for Labor? - With Eva Cox 5:00

7M ago5:00

5:00

In this episode of the Five Minute Advocate, Eva Cox takes a sharp look at the post-election landscape: Labor’s win in the House, their lack of control in the Senate, and what that means for getting things done. With new faces in power, shifting party dynamics, and some unexpected moves, Eva unpacks the political puzzle and asks—what kind of change…

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Stepping Into Wilder Form, 2025 4:40

8M ago4:40

4:40

Hey For The Wild community, it’s Ayana. It’s been a minute. Life has been moving—fast, deep, and full. I’ve grown, and with that growth, a clearer sense of what I want to share with you has come into focus. After nearly a decade of digital episodes, I felt a longing—an ache to be in person, on the land, and heart to heart with our guests. That’s wh…

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Framing The Win – With Julie Macken 5:00

8M ago5:00

5:00

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken unpacks the aftermath of the election. Labor may have won big on paper — 92 seats — but Julie asks: what does that win really mean? As the second phase kicks off, it’s no longer about votes — it’s about narrative. Julie dives into how the Albanese government is framing their victory, from pi…