Best Tiny House Tiny Footprint Podcasts (2024)

1
An Indispensable Conversation About Plastic & Art 31:42

2M ago31:42

31:42

Michael chats with sculptor, performance artist, and sewist Arianna Richardson (aka The Hobbyist) who works with discarded plastic and craft materials to explore themes of consumerism, gendered labour, waste, and excess. They discuss her work, plastics' unique connection to consumerism, using art to engage the public in conversations about sustaina…

1
A Serendipitous Conversation with a Seabird Biologist 27:16

3M ago27:16

27:16

Michael is currently off on another ocean adventure collaborating again with Memorial University. Through this project he had the opportunity to interview accomplished Seabird biologist Holly Hogan, discussing her book Message in a Bottle: Ocean Dispatches from a Seabird Biologist. This never-before-heard interview was so good, that Michael just ha…

1
The Oldman Watershed Part 1: The Basics 37:34

8M ago37:34

37:34

How is the Oldman watershed unique, why it is ecologically important, and how has our climate been changing in Alberta over the decades? In this episode, Michael explores some of the basics around the Oldman watershed, water security and climate adaptation. Featured Guests: Shannon Frank - Executive Director: Oldman Watershed Council Stefan Kienzle…

1
The Oldman Watershed Part 2: Riparian Areas & Lakes 41:39

8M ago41:39

41:39

What is a riparian area and what role does it play in climate adaptation? How are lakes impacted by climate change? In this episode, Michael explores why riparian areas and lakes are important to the Oldman watershed. Featured Guests: Norine Ambrose - Executive Director: Cows & Fish Bradley Peter - Executive Director: Alberta Lake Management Societ…

1
The Oldman Watershed Part 3: Land Management & Fish 41:25

8M ago41:25

41:25

What role does land management play in maintaining a healthy watershed? How are fish species affected by a changing climate and our various land uses? In this episode, Michael has some conversations about conservation in the Oldman watershed. Featured Guests: Philip Meintzer & Devon Earl - Conservation Specialists: Alberta Wilderness Association Lo…

1
The Oldman Watershed Part 4: Business Owners 34:38

8M ago34:38

34:38

How are businesses affected by concerns around water security in the Oldman Watershed? In this episode, Michael talks with three business owners who rely on water for their livelihood. He explores why water matters to them and how they plan to adapt to a changing climate. Featured Guests: Jim Lynch-Staunton - Rancher: Antelope Butte Ranch Dwight Pe…

1
The Oldman Watershed Part 5: Looking Back 41:08

8M ago41:08

41:08

How has the Oldman watershed been developed over the centuries and were there any struggles along the way? In this episode, Michael explores the history of development in the Oldman watershed, including its significance to the Blackfoot people and its importance to settler communities. He also learns about the controversy around the construction of…

1
The Oldman Watershed Part 6: Looking Forward 29:58

8M ago29:58

29:58

How is the City of Lethbridge planning to adapt to water security concerns in our changing climate and what can you do to have an impact? In this episode, Michael explores the future of water and climate adaptation in Lethbridge. He gets a tour of the water treatment plant, learns about the city’s climate adaptation strategy and gets some advice fr…

1
The Oldman Watershed Trailer 2:18

8M ago2:18

2:18

Michael learns all about the Oldman watershed, exploring how communities in Southern Alberta are impacted by concerns around water security related to climate change, and how they might adapt.By Michael Bartz

1
Remembering Alberta Parks: Establishing the Parks 42:59

9M ago42:59

42:59

What was the motivation behind establishing Alberta Parks? Why is researching the history of provincial parks challenging, and should we include ordinary people in park history? Michael explores these questions with environmental historian Jessica DeWitt. She explains the unique reasons for creating Alberta Parks in the 1930s and the challenges wit…

1
Remembering Alberta Parks: Ice Age Geology 36:32

9M ago36:32

36:32

What was prehistoric life like in Alberta 2.6 million years ago? What is the geologic significance of the provincial parks, and how can geology help us deepen our connection to the parks? Michael explores these questions with history and earth science educator, and author Cory Gross. They cover the unique geology of Castle Wildland Provincial Park,…

1
Remembering Alberta Parks: An Archaeological Adventure in Glenbow Ranch 51:03

9M ago51:03

51:03

What unique history is buried under Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park? What is it like leading your first archaeological dig? What makes Glenbow Ranch ecologically significant and why does it need to be protected? Michael explores these questions with archaeologist, historian, and author Shari Peyerl. Their conversation focuses on Shari's book, Alberta…

1
Remembering Alberta Parks: Miquelon & Park Interpretation 30:06

9M ago30:06

30:06

What makes Miquelon Lake Provincial Park historically unique? What benefits do visitors get from their time at a provincial park? What is the history of park interpretation programs and why are they important today? Michael explores these questions with the University of Alberta's Glen Hvenegaard. They cover the history of Miquelon as a migratory b…

1
Remembering Alberta Parks: Conservation in Kananaskis 33:16

9M ago33:16

33:16

Historically, what is the ecological significance of Kananaskis? What development concerns have arisen in the past, and what can people do to ensure this space is managed appropriately? Michael explores these questions with Executive Director of CPAWS Southern Alberta Katie Morrison. They cover the ecological recognition of Kananaskis in the 1940s,…

1
Remembering Alberta Parks: Indigenous Heritage at Áísínai’pi 30:05

9M ago30:05

30:05

What is the significance of Áísínai'pi (Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park) to the Niitsítapi people? What is the role of policy in indigenous groups maintaining their spiritual connection to Áísínai'pi? How is the indigenous cultural understanding of heritage unique? Michael explores these questions with heritage management practitioner Camina Wease…

1
Remembering Alberta Parks: An Uplifting Conversation in the Crowsnest Pass (bonus) 19:49

9M ago19:49

19:49

In this bonus episode, Michael chats with small business owner Heather Davis about Uplift Adventures, a Crowsnest Pass-based outdoor tourism company. Heather explains how Uplift Adventures got its start, the realities of running a small business in the parks, and the historical significance of the Crowsnest Pass. Lastly, Heather offers advice on ho…

1
Remembering Alberta Parks Trailer 2:16

10M ago2:16

2:16

Michael explores the unique and sometimes surprising history of Alberta Parks. He learns about Aspen Beach, Miquelon, Glenbow Ranch, Fish Creek, Castle Wildland, Aisinai’pi and more. You'll be inspired to protect our parks for the future by discovering their past.By Michael Bartz

1
Connecting to the Ocean Part 1: Conversation & Conservation 54:23

12M ago54:23

54:23

Why do we need to have conversations and new narratives about small-scale fisheries, how we govern the ocean, and progress in marine conservation efforts? In this episode, Michael speaks with: Ratana Chuenpagdee, Memorial University, Canada Evan Andrews, Memorial University, Canada Jack Daly, Oceana, Canada Ocean Frontier Institute Too Big to Ignor…

1
Connecting to the Ocean Part 2: Health & Wealth 44:29

12M ago44:29

44:29

Can coastal and ocean development happen without affecting the health of the ocean and marine ecosystems, and the economic viability and wellbeing of coastal communities? In this episode, Michael speaks with: Rob Stephenson, Fisheries and Oceans & University of New Brunswick, Canada Gerald Singh, University of Victoria, Canada Brennan Lowery, Navig…

1
Connecting to the Ocean Part 3: Equity & Justice 36:48

12M ago36:48

36:48

Equity and justice are fundamental principles, but do they exist in small-scale fisheries, especially related to access to resources, management and regulations, and from the historical perspective? In this episode, Michael speaks with: Paul Foley, Memorial University, Canada Edith Samson, Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation, Canada Lil Sau…

1
Connecting to the Ocean Part 4: Saftey & Order 1:00:14

12M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

Fishing, fish processing and maritime work are risky occupations. What needs to be done to provide better protection, and enhance occupational health and safety for those involved? In this episode, Michael speaks with: Barb Neis, Memorial University, Canada Joel Finnis, Memorial University, Canada Desai Shan, Memorial University / Dalhousie Univers…

1
Connecting to the Ocean Part 5: Future & Vision 46:08

12M ago46:08

46:08

What is the future of small-scale fisheries, in Newfoundland and Labrador? Who’s going to fish? What will make people stay in the fisheries? What’s the vision of the communities for their own future? In this episode, Michael speaks with: María Andrée López Gómez, Memorial University, Canada / Center for Demographic Research, Spain Rachael Cadman, D…

1
Connecting to the Ocean Part 6: Connection & Transformation 50:09

12M ago50:09

50:09

Ocean and coastal connections start at home, with youth, and in communities. In a time of big change – climate, demography, policy, what kind of transformation is needed? What’s the starting point? In this episode, Michael speaks with: Jan Negrijn, Coastal Connections, Canada Kimberly Orren, Fishing for Success, Canada Monica Engel, Memorial Univer…

1
Connecting to the Ocean Trailer 2:15

1y ago2:15

2:15

Michael is off to St. John's Newfoundland to connect with the ocean and learn about why small-scale fisheries and governance matter to conservation and sustainability.By Michael Bartz

1
Be Right Back... 1:15

1+ y ago1:15

1:15

In Over My Head will take a short break until November to allow time to work on a big upcoming season. Listen to Michael’s message for a sneak peek of what’s coming.By Michael Bartz

1
Rethinking Growth Part 6: The Good Life 44:15

1+ y ago44:15

44:15

Michael chats with the University of Geneva’s Marlyne Sahakian about rethinking growth and the good life. They focus the conversation around the book Consumption Corridors: Living a Good Life within Sustainable Limits and discuss why setting upper and lower consumption limits is so important. Marlyne explains the difference between human desires, n…

1
Rethinking Growth Part 5: Becoming Human 32:54

1+ y ago32:54

32:54

Michael chats with the University of Florida's Susan Paulson about the human side of rethinking growth. They discuss the problem of exploitation and inequality and how to make our system more equitable. Susan touches on the benefit of the commons including worker-run cooperatives and time-banks. They cover alternatives to GDP for measuring well-bei…

1
Rethinking Growth Part 4: Higher Education 46:00

1+ y ago46:00

46:00

Michael chats with Yale-NUS College’s Michael Maniates about the role of higher education in rethinking growth. They talk about the connection between economic growth and post-secondary, and what a genuinely sustainable campus should prioritize. Professor Maniates highlights the importance of a university's adaptive function in a post-growth world …

1
Rethinking Growth Part 3: Debt 38:54

1+ y ago38:54

38:54

Michael chats with Erasmus University Rotterdam's Julien-Francois Gerber about how debt impacts our ability to rethink growth. They discuss the relationship between credit and growth, and how debt affects the environment and us as people. Julien gives us a history lesson on why we traditionally borrowed money and brings to life past monetary altern…

1
Rethinking Growth Part 2: Work 33:34

1+ y ago33:34

33:34

Michael chats with Concordia University’s Bengi Akbulut about the future of work in a world rethinking growth. They start by discussing Bengi’s Turkish heritage and critics of economic growth in the context of Turkey. Bengi talks about feminist engagement with degrowth including unpaid care labour and the gender distribution of work. They cover Uni…

1
Rethinking Growth Part 1: Innovation 41:23

1+ y ago41:23

41:23

Michael chats with the University of Vigo’s Mario Pansera about innovation's role in rethinking growth. They discuss his Post-Growth Innovation Lab's work, including their Prospera project. Mario talks about the myth of neutral technology and our social organization around technology. He also touches on ownership, class structure, the commons, and …

1
In Over My Head: Rethinking Growth Trailer 2:25

1+ y ago2:25

2:25

Growth - especially the green kind - is always good, right? But to actually solve the climate crisis perhaps we need to rethink our reverence for the gospel of growth. Starting Friday, May 5, over six weeks Michael explores degrowth and post-growth with experts from around the world. What do our work, education, money and life look like when we pri…

1
The Little Things: Kitchenware 20:39

1+ y ago20:39

20:39

In this new segment, Michael explores the little everyday choices we make to lower our environmental impact. He talks to the University of Michigan's Shelie Miller about reusable kitchenware including straws, cutlery, coffee cups and sandwich bags to see if they're always more environmentally friendly than the single-use versions.…

1
Planet-saving Superstar: New Myrnam School 28:30

2y ago28:30

28:30

In this special edition of Planet-saving superstar, Michael takes a road trip to New Myrnam School east of Edmonton Alberta to see the sustainable building projects they have been working on over the last 6 years. From solar-powered golf carts to an off-grid Tiny House bus conversion, New Myrnam School is preparing their youth to be leaders in our …

1
Catching Up Over Coffee with Kathleen Sheppard 9:15

2y ago9:15

9:15

Michael briefly sat down with Kathleen Sheppard from Environment Lethbridge to reminisce about the inaugural episode, and chat about what Environment Lethbridge is up to now. Kathleen also offers advice on how to start talking about climate change with friends or family. In Over My Head Website Climate Cafe…

1
Changing Minds Part 6: Misinformation & Mistrust 36:35

2y ago36:35

36:35

Michael speaks with the University of Oxford’s Sacha Altay all about misinformation and mistrust. Sacha covers why miscommunication happens, the challenge of conveying scientific information, and the importance of trust. He touches on the role of media, the challenge of changing our own opinions, and irrationality. They discuss online versus offlin…

1
Changing Minds Part 5: Getting Emotional 32:31

2y ago32:31

32:31

Michael speaks with the University of Groningen’s Linda Steg all about emotions. They discuss the connection between emotion and pro-environmental behaviour. She covers the role of identity and groups in predicting emotional reactions. Linda highlights how our biases factor in, and the influence of media. She stresses the importance of values and e…

1
Changing Minds Part 4: Slaying our Dragons 23:20

2y ago23:20

23:20

Michael speaks with the University of Victoria’s Robert Gifford to discuss the Dragons of Inaction. Robert explains what these psychological dragons are and how his work started. They make their way through the lair, exploring the seven genera of dragons including limited cognition, social comparison, sunk cost, and ideology. Robert offers solution…

1
Changing Minds Part 3: Mental Health 28:17

2y ago28:17

28:17

Michael speaks with the College of Wooster’s Susan Clayton all about our mental health and climate change. They discuss climate anxiety, including who is most affected, its connection to inaction, and the role of media. Susan touches on climate change denial and the importance of identity and attachment to place. She highlights the connection to na…

1
Changing Minds Part 2: Culture Shift 29:59

2y ago29:59

29:59

Michael speaks with Chris Bryant all about changing the culture when it comes to cultured meat. Chris covers what cultured meat is, and how people feel about it. They discuss the social barriers to accepting meat alternatives. Chris breaks down the psychological barriers as well, examining the diffusion of innovations, status quo, habit, cognitive …

1
Changing Minds Part 1: Climate Comedy 38:51

2y ago38:51

38:51

Michael talks with the University of Colorado Boulder’s Beth Osnes about how comedy motivates climate action. Beth describes her art and gets into the history of comedy in theatre through the ages. She takes us to her climate communication class, sharing her students' experiences doing stand-up and sketch comedy. Beth highlights effective types of …

1
In Over My Head: Changing Minds Trailer 2:08

2y ago2:08

2:08

Michael talks with experts from around the world about environmental psychology. From confirmation bias to cognitive dissonance, they'll be thinking deeply about all the ways our cognition hinders or helps climate change.By Michael Bartz

1
Planter-saving Superstar: Alison Gu 18:34

2y ago18:34

18:34

Michael chats with Alison Gu, who at the age of 24 became a Councillor for the city of Burnaby British Columbia. Alison talks about her journey into politics, and some of the important climate-related work she is doing. She also offers advice for anyone considering a political career.By Michael Bartz

1
Our Digital Life Part 6: The Cloud 32:52

2y ago32:52

32:52

Michael speaks with Steven Gonzalez about the human side of The Cloud. They cover the environmental impact of The Cloud and why it is so energy-hungry. Steven takes us on a journey to places like Printer's Row in Chicago, or Chandler, Arizona where the noise or water pollution from data centres is affecting these communities. He puts us in the shoe…

1
Our Digital Life Part 5: Artificial Intelligence 36:57

2y ago36:57

36:57

Michael speaks with Henrik Saetra about the role of Artificial Intelligence as it relates to the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. They discuss how AI can influence climate action, the double-edged nature of AI, Big Tech, and social inequality. Henrik touches on AI and the shifting of power, data colonialism, privacy as a public good, and AI e…

1
Our Digital Life Part 4: Smart Green World 33:53

2y ago33:53

33:53

Michael speaks with Tilman Santarius about making our world greener through digitalization. They focus on his latest book Smart Green World? Making Digitalization Work for Sustainability. Tilman explains the problem of add-on consumption of digitalization, rebound effects, radical digitalization and digital sufficiency. Michael and Tilman discuss t…

1
Our Digital Life Part 3: The Right to Repair 23:02

2y ago23:02

23:02

Michael speaks with Ugo Vallauri, co-founder of The Restart Project, a UK-based charity that inspires and supports people to repair their digital devices. Ugo talks about what it's like to attend one of their restart parties and the exciting growth of the organization over the last decade. They discuss the environmental impact of the smartphone, an…

1
Our Digital Life Part 2: Video Streaming 20:14

2y ago20:14

20:14

Michael speaks with Dr. Kelly Widdicks all about video streaming and our demand for data. She explains the findings of her study looking at household data demand in the UK and discusses media-multitasking, digital sufficiency, and streaming music through YouTube. She stresses the importance of putting pressure on data providers and explains the lar…

1
Our Digital Life Part 1: Sustainable Delivery 31:46

2y ago31:46

31:46

Michael speaks with Dr. Anne Goodchild all about making urban freight more sustainable. Dr. Goodchild describes the journey your package takes from ordering to arriving, and what items are typically moving around a city. She stresses the importance of consolidated delivery, and what might erode this. Dr. Goodchild discusses some of her sustainable …

1
In Over My Head: Our Digital Life Trailer 2:01

2y ago2:01

2:01

Michael connects virtually with experts from around the world to talk about our digital life. He's going to try and figure out how all our clicks, comments, and constant connectivity affect the climate crisis, and what we can do about it.By Michael Bartz

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